LARNED, Kan. – Richard Anthony Lopez, 27 of Larned, Kansas, made his formal First Appearance Thursday morning in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on a felony domestic violence Criminal Complaint.
The defendant is charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.
The charge stems from an investigation by the Police Department after officers were dispatched to a domestic situation in progress at an apartment complex in Larned during the lunch hour of October 20, 2026. Upon arrival, the officers were advised that the suspect fled the scene on foot after neighbors heard screaming and became involved. The victim was transported to the Great Bend Regional Hospital for medical attention and Family Crisis Center advocacy services. She was discharged from the hospital later that day.
As a result of the incident, the Larned High School and Larned Middle School temporarily initiated their cautionary lockdown procedures. The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the search for the suspect by deploying its drone and K-9. Lopez was taken into custody a short time later without incident.
At the First Appearance, Judge Cowell advised the defendant of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. If convicted of the Aggravated Battery Charge, under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces between 11 months and 34 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history.
Counsel was appointed to represent the defendant. A Preliminary Hearing was scheduled for November 5, 2026. Lopez remains in custody at the Pawnee County Jail with bond set at $40,000 cash or surety. The Court further ordered no contact with the victim as a condition of bond.
Under Kansas Law, “Aggravated Domestic Battery” means knowingly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat, neck or chest of a person with whom the offender is involved or has been involved in a dating relationship or a family or household member, when done in a rude, insulting or angry manner.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Douglas W. McNett
Pawnee County Attorney
Pawnee County Courthouse
715 Broadway
Larned KS 67550
