March 28, 2024

GCPD: Fatality Accident Media Release

GCPD

On Sunday, February 16th, Officers of the Garden City Police Department were dispatched
to the area of Mary St. and the Bypass to an accident which had just occurred involving a
1983 Ford LTD and a Ford F150 truck.

The driver of the Ford F150 was identified as Carlos Cano-Casillas (20), Garden City, KS.
Officers located four people in the 1983 Ford LTD with significant injuries: Matthew Rome (24), Garden City, KS, Michael Barnes (28), Leoti, KS, Cassey Dale (31), Leoti,
KS, and Alisha Dugan (31), Garden City, KS. All subjects, in both vehicles, were
transported to St. Catherine Hospital.

Officers learned the Ford LTD was traveling eastbound in the 2600 block of East Mary St.
when they allegedly ran the red stoplight. Carlos Cano-Casillas was traveling southbound
from the exit ramp of the Bypass and allegedly had the green light, therefore continued
through the intersection when he struck the Ford LTD. The Garden City Police Department is currently investigating whether alcohol is considered to be a factor in this accident. The investigation is on-going.

Upon arrival at St. Catherine Hospital, Matthew Rome became unresponsive and life-
saving measures were employed. Matthew Rome was pronounced deceased at St.

Catherine Hospital. Cassey Dale, Michael Barnes, and Alisha Dugan were transported to
Wichita, KS in critical condition. Carlos Cano-Casillas was treated and released at St.
Catherine Hospital.

Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Matthew Rome and all those
injured in this accident.

The Garden City Police Department is requesting assistance from the community. If you
witnessed this incident, or have information related to this incident, you should call the Garden City Police Department (620) 276-1300, If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411).