FRANKLIN COUNTY —A Kansas man is in custody after allegedly firing shots at deputies near his rural home.
Just before 7:30p.m. Sunday, the Franklin County Emergency Communications Center received a port alleging 54-year-old Lester Caleb of rural Ottawa was firing a gun on his property in The 1200 Block of K68-Highway, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.
A neighbor called to check on him and Caleb verbally threatened the caller. Law enforcement was contacted due to Caleb's behavior. As the first responding deputy arrived, he was shot at twice from the area of Caleb's property. Caleb was then observed walking across the driveway toward's his residence and the deputy lost sight of him. The deputy was not struck by the gunfire and not injured.
At this point, officers from the Ottawa Police Special Tactics and Rescue Team, The Miami County Sheriff's Special Response Team and The Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area. A KHP helicopter was also used to monitor the area along with drones from local agencies.Neighbors in close. proximity were evacuated. Law enforcement conducted a search and could not find Caleb and asked the public for help to locate him.
During the day on Monday, law enforcement finally reached Caleb by phone and began a conversation. After an hour of discussion, Caleb surrendered to Franklin County Deputies. He was booked into jail just afater 4:30p.m. The sheriff's office did not release possible charges.