On 08/20/2024 Deputies responded to an address in rural Butler after a juvenile called in stating that he had been assaulted with a tomahawk by an adult male.
Upon arrival to the scene, Deputies learned that the juvenile had been hit in the face with a hatchet style weapon by Michael L. Richards at the residence. When deputies collected identifying information from Richards, they discovered that Richards was wanted by U.S. Marshals on a federal warrant for violation of the conditions of probation and/or supervised released. Deputies also spoke to the Marshal Service who advised Deputies that during a prior encounter with Richards, Richards had reportedly shot at the Marshals and was reported to be an absconder.
Richards was taken into custody for his active warrant. Charges stemming from the assault on the juvenile with a deadly weapon were submitted to the Bates County Prosecutor for review. Additional charges are expected.
