Authorities say a babysitter checked under the bed for monsters -- and found someone

The myth of a bogeyman hiding under the bed became all too real for a family in Great Bend, Kansas, when a child's complaint led to an unexpected encounter. The Barton County Sheriff's Office responded to a disturbance at their home on Monday, where a babysitter was preparing the children for bed. One of the kids expressed fear about a "monster" lurking beneath the bed, prompting the babysitter to investigate.

Upon checking under the bed, the babysitter was startled to find a 27-year-old man hiding there. This encounter led to a physical altercation, during which a child was knocked over. The man in question had previously lived at the residence but was under a "protection from abuse order" ordering him to stay away. His actions led to immediate concerns for the safety of the children present.

Although the suspect fled before law enforcement arrived, he was later apprehended after a brief pursuit the following morning. He faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, and child endangerment. The severity of these charges reflects the alarming nature of his actions, particularly given the legal restrictions that were in place to protect the family.

Currently, the suspect is being held in jail with a bond set at $500,000. It remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation or faced any previous charges related to incidents earlier in the year. This incident marks a shocking reminder of the real dangers that can lurk just out of sight, even in the supposed safety of one's home.

While children’s fears of monsters under the bed are common and often dismissed, this case illustrates that such fears can sometimes manifest into actual threats. Similar situations have occurred in the past, further highlighting the need for vigilance and protective measures in safeguarding individuals from potential harm.