HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 62-year-old man arrested for alleged crimes also involving the switching of an electric meter was before a judge Thursday for the formal reading of charges.
Kerry Getz has been charged by the state with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery causing reckless bodily harm and criminal damage to property.
It was back on March 17 when deputies found a wrecked Ford Ranger pickup with Westar Energy signage on the sides. As they investigated, they discovered that a sub-contracted employee of Westar Energy was in the area replacing electrical meters on the houses in the area.
Getz apparently became angry that his meter had been changed and began arguing with the Westar worker, Carter Coulteur. He then fled the residence to his truck for safety. As the employee was calling his supervisor, Getz allegedly followed him in his own vehicle and blocked in the Westar employee. Another confrontation occurred and Getz allegedly damaged the Westar vehicle and attempted to take property from the truck. In one of the verbal exchanges, he made the comment to the Westar employee that had a weapon and may have to use it.
At some point, Getz attempted to use his vehicle in an effort to run over the Westar employee, however, the employee was able to escape with no injuries. Eventually, the Westar employee attempted to flee again in his truck and the resident chased him down in his vehicle and forced him off of the road by ramming into him. As the Westar truck wrecked, the resident drove away back to his residence.
Getz remains free on a $15,250 bond and the case will now be scheduled for a waiver-status docket.