KBI declines to investigate alleged Great Bend assault case

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will not take over the investigation of an alleged assault on a bus transporting the Great Bend boys swim team.

Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir had asked the KBI to lead the investigation because of jurisdictional questions.

The Hutchinson News reports (http://bit.ly/1VYGQ9g) the KBI on Friday declined, citing an excessive caseload caused by the recent shootings at a Hesston plant that left four dead and 14 injured. The case will be returned to Barton County.

The incident reportedly occurred Feb. 3 as the school bus traveled back to Great Bend from Saline County.

A second alleged incident on the team’s bus was reported Feb. 6. Ellsworth County Sheriff Tracy Ploutz is recommending misdemeanor charges against several members of the swim team in that case.


Information from: The Hutchinson (Kan.) News, http://www.hutchnews.com.