MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A 37-year-old Hutchinson woman died Friday night after being shot in the 800 block of West Fourth Avenue, and the suspect later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a vehicle pursuit in Pratt County, authorities said.
Officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched at approximately 8:19 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, to a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located Lacy D. Nelson, 37, of Hutchinson, with multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers began rendering first aid until Reno County EMS arrived. Nelson was transported by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
During the investigation, Curtis E. Richardson, 49, of Hutchinson, was identified as a person of interest. A statewide “be on the lookout,” or BOLO, alert was issued for Richardson at 9:17 p.m. Friday.
At approximately 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Preston, Kansas, in reference to a reported robbery. A victim reported that a male forced entry into her residence and took her vehicle without permission.
While en route, a Pratt County sheriff’s deputy located the reported stolen vehicle traveling southbound on K-61 Highway in Pratt County. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Richardson, refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
Authorities said the stolen vehicle left the roadway and entered a field near Northeast 30th Avenue and Northeast 20th Street in Pratt County, where it became stuck. A deputy secured the scene until additional units arrived.
The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team responded. Richardson refused to exit the vehicle despite multiple commands from deputies and continued efforts by a negotiator, authorities said. Less-lethal tactics were deployed in an attempt to gain compliance.
Richardson was later located inside the vehicle with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Pratt County EMS initiated lifesaving measures, and he was transported to Pratt Regional Medical Center, where he later died.
Authorities said the investigation remains active. As of the latest release, there are no additional persons of interest.