Deputies assist with search for shooting suspect
Marion County sheriff's deputies assisted Morris County officials and the Kansas Highway Patrol with the search for and apprehension of a man wanted for shooting his landlord in Morris County.
Christopher R. Burch, 32, Burdick, was arrested Monday on a charge of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Leon Baronda of Herington.
According to a report in the Salina Journal, Morris County Attorney Matt Oleen said Baronda was shot once in each leg with a handgun, but medical reports indicated his wounds were not life-threatening. Baronda was flown to a Wichita hospital for treatment.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the shooting happened about midday Sunday at a rural residence near Delavan, about five miles east of Herington.
Leon Nelson, a friend of Baronda, said Burch had been living as a tenant at a rural Burdick home, the former Steve Shields residence, owned by Baronda and apparently was behind on the rent.
Court records from Morris County show that earlier this month, Baronda filed a limited civil suit against Burch and another man, Billy Mingo of Herington, asking for $2,400 plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees.
The shooting reportedly occurred at the site of a home being built by Baronda, an independent contractor who works at Fort Riley.
Burch then fled the scene while Baronda was able to phone a friend who lived nearby for help.
About 20 officers from Morris, Chase, and Marion counties, plus the highway patrol became involved in the search for Burch.
Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker said his deputies patrolled the Lost Springs area Sunday evening and Monday morning to secure the area. He said Burch has children who attend Centre Elementary School.
At 7:30 a.m. Monday, a school bus driver reported seeing a man resembling Burch walking in the area of 2800 and DD avenues in Morris County.
At approximately 10 a.m., two patrol canine handlers doing building searches in the area came across a barn and located Burch, unarmed, hiding inside a pile of hay, according to Patrolman Steve Ragan.
Burch was in Morris County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bond.
