April 25, 2024

Holcomb man arrested after hallucinated break-in leads to shooting

Holcomb, KS(westernkansasnews.com) A Holcomb man was arrested at his residence after firing shots inside the home. At 6:52 p.m. Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 109 N. Main in Holcomb, in reference to a report of several subjects trying to enter the residence. Upon arrival, deputies heard gunshots coming from the residence. Further investigation revealed the occupant of the residence, Romero Rocha, 39, was hallucinating and believed subjects were trying to break into his residence so he began randomly shooting.

There was no evidence that anyone was trying to enter Rocha’s residence. Three other subjects were also inside the residence, they were not injured. Their ages were 11, 12, and 38. The 12 and 38 year old subjects were able to exit the residence unharmed shortly after deputies arrived. Mr. Rocha exited the residence soon after deputies asked him to come out of the residence. Mr. Rocha was holding the 11 year old with one hand and holding a handgun in the other. Officers were able to disarm Rocha verbally,  and he was taken into custody.

He was transported and lodged in the Finney County Jail on probable cause charges of Criminal Discharge of a Firearm Inside a Dwelling, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Kidnapping, and Aggravated Endangering of a Child. Rocha’s bond is set at $20,000.