BARTON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating a suspect who fled the scene of an accident.

Just after 10:30 Sunday, Barton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 300 block of E. Barton County Road. to investigate a car, deer accident.

A 1997 Dodge pickup truck by Kevin L. Schartz of Ellinwood had struck a deer.

As the officers were arriving at the scene a second vehicle struck the rear of the Schartz’s vehicle.

A 2015 Dodge Dart driven by Jason Cavender, 40, Great Bend exited the vehicle and ran from the scene south into a stubble field, leaving a passenger trapped in the vehicle.

The passenger was identified as Aspen Linenberger, 25, Great Bend.

The ambient temperature at the time of the accident was 4°F.

Sheriff’s officers immediately began searching the area for Cavender.

Just after 11:40 p.m. deputies located him hiding in a shed at 12 Southeast 35 Avenue.

Both Linenberger and Cavender received minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

Cavender was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Failed to Report Injury Accident, Driving While Suspended and Criminal Trespass. Cavender is being held in the Barton County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bond.