WICHITA, Kan. – Following a series of events that commenced on the evening of Sunday, May 4, involving a stolen vehicle and an aggravated battery on a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputy, authorities have successfully located and arrested the suspect, Thomas Torrez.
On Tuesday, May 6, after extensive efforts by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Investigations Division and Fugitive Warrant Section, deputies identified Torrez at a multi-family housing unit in the 2500 block of N. Park Place, a location previously associated with him. Entry was made into the residence, where Torrez was found barricaded inside a refrigerator.
Despite multiple commands to surrender, Torrez refused to comply. A Sheriff's Office K-9 unit was deployed, which facilitated his apprehension. Following medical treatment, Torrez was booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.
Torrez was taken into custody on original felony warrants for failing to register as an offender and a probation violation related to criminal possession of a weapon. He also faces new charges related to the incidents on May 4 and May 6, including aggravated burglary, kidnapping, attempting to elude law enforcement, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement officers, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. Additionally, he was booked on three outstanding municipal warrants from the City of Wichita.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. Once all relevant information is compiled, the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging decisions.
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