Fired worker arrested in parking lot rampage

It’s bad enough to lose your job. Winding up in jail adds insult to injury — although in this case, the insults and the injury appear to have been felt by someone else.

According to Hillsboro police, 28-year-old Kelby J. Schmidt of Hillsboro was dismissed several weeks ago by Hillsboro Industries, 220 Industrial Rd., and told not to come back onto the company’s property.

Afterward, police say, he began sending “aggressive, unwanted” texts to Hillsboro Industries employee Jason S. Elliot, 28, of Moundridge, who had been a co-worker.

Thursday, Schmidt allegedly went a step further, arriving at Hillsboro Industries’ parking lot while employees were attempting to report for work and driving around recklessly.

At one point, he allegedly threw a brick through the rear window of Elliot’s 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, causing an estimated $1,802 in damage.

Schmidt was arrested by assistant police chief Randy Brazil on suspicion of felony criminal damage to property, attempted harassment by a telecommunications device, and reckless driving.

Schmidt was taken to Marion County Jail, where he spent the night. His luck may have changed the next morning as he was released on his own recognizance.