Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark released additional information on Monday concerning two felony arrests on the night Friday, May 9. Both cases allege crimes against children.

Around 8:20 p.m. Friday, a Great Bend Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop in the 2100 block of 24th Street after receiving a Flock (license plate reader camera) notification alerting officers to a wanted person. The driver was contacted and identified. It was confirmed that the driver, Michael Podrybau, 41, of Alton was the wanted subject. He was placed under arrest for a warrant issued by the FBI for distribution of obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children and for sexual exploitation of a minor of child, sexual abuse material. Podrybau was transported to the Barton County Jail where he awaits extradition. 

Later that night, at approximately 9:42 p.m., GBPD officers were notified of a possible kidnapping of a juvenile. GBPD officers and Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies began to search for the possible vehicle. During the search it was reported that the victim was located. After officers completed an investigation, Alejandro Castaneda-Cruz, 21, was located and arrested for kidnapping and rape. He was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked and held in lieu of a $1,000,000 bond. The jail log shows he was booked after midnight, on May 10, under the name “Serinana- Castandea, Cruz. Jail officials confirmed that although he initially gave a different name, Alejandro Castaneda-Cruz is correct. On Sunday, May 11, he was also booked on an outstanding warrant for the charge of criminal damage to property.

Anyone with information on these cases or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.