BARTON COUNTY—John Paul Zapata, who was wanted for aggravated escape from custody has been captured, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Zapata had been released on a furlough by order of the District Court. He failed to return at the appointed time.
Through various investigative techniques, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office detectives were able to locate him in Raymond, Kansas. The Rice County Sheriff’s office was notified, and a search warrant was obtained for a residence in Raymond.
Just after 3p.m. Friday, Zapata was located and taken into custody.
He was returned to the Barton County Jail and faces additional charges of aggravated escape.
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BARTON COUNTY— Law enforcement are asking the public for help to locate a suspect who is wanted for aggravated escape from custody.
On March 4, 2020 and again on May 8, 2020 the Barton County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at 260 N. Washington just north of the city of Great Bend. During the April 8 incident the Sheriff’s Office was forced to use tear gas to dislodge a subject from the residence, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
The search warrants resulted in the arrest of John Paul Zapata, 34 of Great Bend. Zapata was being held in the Barton County Jail awaiting trial.
Zapata entered into a plea agreement with the court sentencing him to the Department of Corrections. Part of that plea agreement ordered the Sheriff’s Office to release Zapata on furlough “for the express purpose to get his affairs in order before being sentenced to Kansas Department of Corrections”.
The Sheriff’s Office did not have input as to the plea agreement, according to Bellendir.
Zapata was released at 10 AM Monday as ordered by the court. The order stated Zapata was to return on June 24 at 10a.m.
He has failed to do so. He is now wanted for aggravated escape from custody.
The Sheriff’s office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating him. Zapata has a history of resisting arrest and has been known to have firearms in his possession.
Height 5-foot-6
Weight 175 lbs.
Hair Black, Length Short, Partial Beard
Skin Light Brown
Build Slim
Eyes Brown
Language English
Right handed
Scar Left Hip
(SC L HIP) - 2 scars 2 inches long each
Tattoo Abdomen, Tattoo Abdomen, Tattoo Abdomen, Tattoo Back, Tattoo Chest, TAT FACE, Tattoo Groin Area, Tattoo Left Hand Finger(s), Tattoo Left Hand, Tattoo Left Forearm, Tattoo Neck, Tattoo Right Calf, Tattoo Right Hand, Tattoo Right Forearm, Tattoo Upper Left Arm, Tattoo Upper Right Arm
(TAT NECK) - Lucky with clover on right side, Dakota on left side; (TAT UR ARM) - Beltran 3-2-98 Roses ad ribbon jesus "cross", ; (TAT RF ARM) - sleeve of skulls; (TAT R HND) - chinese symbol "strength"; (TAT UL ARM) - mom with rose, Praying hands, name "Adriana", ; (TAT LF ARM) - Bulldog tribal, Foot prints, name "Cheryl",chinese Symbol "Love", name with flames "Joshua",; (TAT L HND) - "TSI", name "AMY"; (TAT CHEST) - "JORDAN", "Miles", "Izabella"; (TAT ABDOM) - Right rib cage "cross with Heart"; (TAT ABDOM) - "Zapata"; (TAT GROIN) - "AMY"; (TAT R CALF) - 3 skulls and roses; (TAT L FGR) - "LOVE"; (TAT BACK) - tribal cross "TJ ROY" on each side of cross.; (TAT FACE) - Lower right eye "BABY J" with cross; (TAT ABDOM) - left ribcage "Raider Logo"
If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of John Paul Zapata please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.