BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal arson fire and have a suspect in custody.
Just after 7 a.m. Friday, the Great Bend Fire Department and Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence located in the 2800 block of 29th Street in Great Bend, in reference to a structure fire.
Upon arrival at the residence, members of the Great Bend Fire Department located a 59-year-old woman inside of the residence and life saving measures were performed. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and during a preliminary investigation of the incident, arson was determined to be the cause of the fire. Investigators also determined that the deceased victim's death was the result of foul play.
Around 7:19 a.m., the Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Adams Street in reference to an aggravated burglary and battery related to the arson / homicide investigation.
The suspect left that area on foot and at approximately 8:12 a.m. was reported to be at Park Elementary School, 1801 Williams Street. Police officers located the suspect identified as Lyndsay George, in the 2000 Block of 19th Street.
After a physical altercation with police officers, George was arrested. After further investigation and interviews, George was booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of murder in the 1st degree, aggravated arson, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, aggravated burglary, battery and criminal trespass.
During the course of the investigation, members of the Great Bend Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office and the A.T.F. obtained and executed search warrants in the 2800 block of 29th Street and at the Traveler's Budget Inn located at 4200 10th Street in Great Bend.
During the execution and thorough search of those locations, items of evidence were located and seized. Authorities have not released the name of the victim.
The victim's name is not being released at this time pending notification of family members.