Law Enforcement Today
BARTON COUNTY, KS - A babysitter's attempt to comfort a frightened child led to a startling discovery when she found a man hiding under the bed. The incident occurred on March 24th, when the babysitter was checking for "monsters" following the child's complaints. Instead of alleviating the child's fears, she encountered 27-year-old Martin Villalobos Jr., who was reportedly hiding in the home.
An altercation broke out between the babysitter and Villalobos, resulting in a child being knocked over during the struggle before the man fled the scene. The Barton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the disturbance call around 10:30 p.m. that night but could not locate the suspect. It was later revealed that Villalobos had a protection from abuse order against him, prohibiting him from being at the residence.
The following morning, law enforcement spotted Villalobos attempting to escape but managed to capture him after a brief foot pursuit. He was arrested and taken to the Barton County Jail, facing multiple charges, including aggravated kidnapping and violation of a protection order. He is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.
In a separate incident, a mother named Livi Lemke is advocating for changes in the law after a man armed with a loaded gun entered her home without invitation. The terrifying event, recorded on video, saw Lemke and her one-year-old daughter hiding in fear for nearly half an hour before police arrived. Frustrated by the system, she shared her concern that the laws seem to protect offenders rather than victims, especially since the man involved was released the same day.
Local authorities are evaluating the legal definitions surrounding burglary, noting that entering a home does not automatically constitute burglary unless specific conditions are met, such as theft or physical harm. This distinction has led to discussions on how to better protect victims and hold offenders accountable, with comparisons drawn to more stringent laws in other states, such as North Dakota. Lemke's experience highlights the need for legislative change to enhance safety and prevent such violations from occurring in the future.