BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a violent incident in Great Bend.
Just before 7:30 p.m. Thursday, the Great Bend Police Department (GBPD) was dispatched to 3318 24th Street in response to reports there was a subject in the area with a rifle who had fired multiple shots, according to a media release.
The initial complaint was that he may have been firing in the air and then possibly shooting towards a neighbor. The individual with the gun was later identified as 35-year-old Ryan Lang.
Upon the first officer's arrival, Lang shot in their direction, striking a tree and the patrol vehicle. Additional officers quickly arrived on scene, blocking nearby roads and establishing a perimeter around the property. Lang shot approximately three more times. The first round struck a civilian vehicle parked in the 2300 block of Polk Street. A second shot was aimed at an officer setting the perimeter at the intersection of 24th and Polk, and the round passed just over the top of their patrol vehicle. A third shot was believed to be fired into the air.
While on scene, officers learned Lang had also shot and struck at least two other vehicles that had driven through the area prior to officers’ arrival. Lang continued moving around the property with the rifle, circulating between the front yard, porch and inside the residence as GBPD officers and Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies maintained the perimeter.
After an approximately 90-minute standoff, Lang was seen exiting the house without the rifle. Officers, deputies, and a K-9 from the Barton County Sheriff's Office advanced toward Lang, but he retreated inside the residence. Officers and deputies followed Lang inside where he was taken into custody after a Taser was utilized to temporarily immobilize him.
Lang was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked and confined on requested charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Criminal Damage to Property, Interference with LEO and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Officers returned to the scene Friday to canvass for any additional damage. Citizens who live in or who drove through the area last night and sustained damage to their property are encouraged to contact the GBPD. The police department was assisted on this incident by the Barton County Sheriff's Office and the Great Bend Fire Department.