Ellinwood Police Department

10/31/2026

08/17/2026

Date: August 17th, 2026
Case Number: 26-98
Crime: Vehicle Pursuit
Arrest: 1
Assisting Agencies: Barton County Sheriff’s Office

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 12:18 a.m., an Ellinwood Police Department officer observed a vehicle driven by an individual known to have two active felony warrants. The officer conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hirsch Street.
The driver, identified as Shawn Owens, a 57‑year‑old male from Ellinwood, refused to exit the vehicle when instructed and fled from the officer, initiating a short pursuit through several blocks of the city. During the pursuit, Owens discarded a substantial quantity of suspected methamphetamine out of the vehicle window in the 500 block of Isern Street.
The vehicle came to a stop in the 600 block of Isern Street, where Owens was taken into custody without incident.
Owens was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on two felony warrants for Probation Violation and Criminal Possession of a Fi***rm, both with no bond.
Additional charges stemming from this incident include:
Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interference with Law Enforcement, and Multiple traffic offenses.
The case remains under investigation.

Chance Bailey
Chief of Police
Ellinwood Police Department

07/25/2026

Starting certified officers at $23.50 per hour. $24.00 per hour after successful six month probation Period. 

06/27/2026

🚲🛴 This morning’s Bicycle & Scooter Safety Event was a success! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the event a great one. We appreciate your commitment to keeping our community safe!

If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry—we still have safety handouts available at the Ellinwood Police Department, and we’d be happy to get one to you.

As a reminder, all bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters are required to follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles. Knowing and following the rules helps keep everyone safe on our streets.

If you have any questions about bicycle or scooter safety, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ellinwood Police Department. Stay safe, wear your helmet, and enjoy the ride! 🚴‍♀️🛴💙

06/26/2026

The Ellinwood Police Department will be hosting a Bicycle Safety Event on Saturday, June 27th from 8:00-10:00 AM in the Ellinwood City Pool parking lot.

Due to a significant increase in complaints involving electric scooters and electric bicycles, those items have been added for this year’s program.

Participants will learn about Kansas laws, local ordinances, and best safety practices. Parents are encouraged to attend, and parent handouts will be available.

We look forward to seeing everyone there.

06/26/2026

---SCAM ALERT---

The Barton County Sheriff's Office is asking the public and local businesses to remain vigilant regarding an individual involved in a check-fraud scheme targeting financial institutions in our area and surrounding counties.

The suspect has been described as:
• African American female
• Approximately 5'9" tall
• Slender build
• Wears glasses
• Has a tattoo on her neck
• Often dressed in nursing scrubs
• Claims to be a traveling nurse

She has reportedly used the names Tracy Brown and Bridget Mosley (spellings unconfirmed) and has presented counterfeit identification and other documents that appear to be legitimate in an attempt to open bank accounts.

A fraudulent check was successfully negotiated at a financial institution in Great Bend, and a similar attempt was later made in Hoisington.

We encourage all financial institutions, businesses, and residents to use caution when verifying identification and financial documents. If you believe you have encountered this individual, do not confront her. Instead, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.

If you have any information that may assist this investigation, please contact the Barton County Sheriff's Office at (620) 793-1876, your local police department, or Barton County Communications at 911 if the incident is occurring at that time.

You may also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Great Bend and Barton County at 620-792-1300 or by visiting www.p3tips.com.

Your awareness and cooperation help protect our community from fraud.

- Lieutenant Bryan Volkel

06/23/2026

Owner Found thanks for the shares.

Found in The 300 blk of W 3rd. Contact the Ellinwood Police Department at 620-793-1920 if you recognize this dog or know who the owner is 

06/12/2026

A very nice chainsaw was turned in as found property today. If you were traveling near 7th street in Ellinwood and had one with you, please check your equipment. Contact the Police Department with description if yours is missing.