HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 34-year-old man arrested after two domestic incidents, one where he held police at bay for nearly six hours managed to get his bond reduced over the objection of the state.
Charles Mendenhall III is charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal threat and two counts of aggravated endangerment of a child in the Christmas Eve incident. In the case from Jan. 10, he’s charged with aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, interference with law enforcement, violation of a protection from abuse order, criminal restraint and battery of Hutchinson Police Officer Josh Long.
Through his attorney, they requested a reduction of the $300,000 bond in front of Judge William “Buck” Lyle, while the state objected calling him a “significant public safety risk.” But after hearing the arguments, Judge Lyle lowered the bond to $75,000.
He’s also allowing the defendant to have contact with his kids whether while he’s in jail or if he bonds out. He also granted contact with the victim in the case.
The cases are pending trial in front of Judge Trish Rose who has been off all this week.