BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent robbery and asking the public with help to locate two suspects.
Just before 10 a.m. Sunday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a call at NW 30th Road. Area 4, Lot 2 in the All Seasons Mobile Home Park. The caller advised two subjects armed with handguns, had entered his home, and robbed him, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Upon arrival Sheriff’s deputies contacted the resident who said he was pistol whipped about the head and face and tied to a chair. The assailants then broke into a gun cabinet took several firearms as well as cash from the residence.
Witnesses in the area saw a mid-90s, white, suburban type vehicle at about the time of the incident. The vehicle was seen leaving the area shortly after the incident.
A suspect has been developed in the case and is wanted for questioning. Howard Lee Johnson, age 24 of Wichita. Johnson is described as a black male, 5-foot-7, 135 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Johnson has multiple tattoos. Johnson has multiple outstanding warrants in the Barton County District Court.
The second suspect is also described as a tall, heavyset, black male who was wearing a red bandanna at the time of the attack. No further description is available at this time, according to Bellendir.
Both suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about the whereabouts of Johnson or the other suspect or any further information about this crime please contact the Barton County Sheriff’s Office at 620-793-1876 or you can call Crime Stoppers of Barton County at 620-792-1300