On Thursday November 19, 2020, at 7:36 a.m., the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office received information of a possible active shooter at a business in the 8200 block of Southport Drive, Manhattan, Pottawatomie County, Kansas. The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, Riley County Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area. Upon Officers arrival it was determined that there was no active shooter, however an individual had threatened to shoot an employee, and cause damage to the building. It was reported that the individual left the business and drove West on Highway 24, in a red Ford flat-bed truck.
At 7:50 a.m., Pottawatomie County Sheriff Deputies located a red Ford flat-bed truck, matching the description. The Deputies attempted to stop the truck in the 200 block of McCall Road. The driver failed to stop, and a short pursuit ensued with the driver stopping in the 100 block of East Bluemont Manhattan, Pottawatomie County, Kansas. The driver was identified at Rob Bent, 47 years old, reported homeless, and he was arrested for flee and elude, driving while suspended, criminal threat, aggravated criminal threat and criminal damage to property. Mr. Bent is currently confined in the Pottawatomie County Jail awaiting bond. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353, or leave a tip via our Crimestopper’s link at www. Ptsheriff.com
Thank you,
Shane E. Jager
Sheriff