SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have taken a school district employee into custody in Salina.
On Monday, detectives from the Newton Police Department, assisted by detectives and officers from the Salina Police Department, made contact with an employee at Lakewood Middle School, 1135 Lakewood Circle in Salina, according to a media release Salina Police.
The employee is identified as 35-year-old Ryan Brungardt, according to the Saline County booking report. He is a social studies teacher at Lakewood, according to the school web site.
Newton Police detectives were following up on a crime that was allegedly committed in Newton by Brungardt, according to Newton Police Deputy Chief Scott Powell.
Newton Police officers had a search warrant for his phone, however, when officers attempted to execute the warrant, Brungardt tried to destroy his phone, according to Powell.
"The suspect tried to destroy the phone, which punctured the lithium battery, which apparently started a fire," Powell said.
At that point, Brungardt was placed under arrest and later transported to the Salina Police Department. According to the Saline County booking report Brungardt is being held on requested charges of Aggravated arson; No substantial risk to bodily harm, Aggravated robbery, Battery on Law enforcement officer; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty and Interfere w a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/destroy fel evidence
The Salina Police Department believes there is no active threat to any students or facility of USD 305.
Check the Post for additional details as they become available.