COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.
Just after 9p.m. November 7, police responded to a reported disturbance at a home in the 700 Block of South Summit Street in Arkansas City, according to a media release. The disturbance involved an argument over money involving several individuals.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with a resident who reported that a male suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Steven J. Lemus, had been yelling at another woman, demanding money. According to the witness, Lemus threatened to harm the woman if she did not accompany him to an ATM to withdraw cash.
Lemus and victim had left the residence before officers arrived. After obtaining a description of the suspect's vehicle, officers began checking local ATMs in an attempt to locate them.
At approximately 12:26 a.m. on Nov. 8, officers located Lemus and the victim at an ATM in the 1600 block of North Summit Street. Lemus was seated inside the vehicle while the victim was withdrawing money.
Officers detained Lemus and during a subsequent interview, the victim reported that Lemus had physically assaulted and threatened her earlier that evening.
Lemus was arrested on requested charges of kidnapping, criminal threat, battery, robbery, and attempted theft. He is currently being held at the Cowley County Jail on a $163,750 bond.
Lemus has previous convictions for domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery and violation of a protection order, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.