What started as a typical night of babysitting in Great Bend, Kansas, turned into a shocking discovery when a child’s fear of a “monster” under the bed led to the arrest of a wanted man.
The Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched to a home around 10:30 p.m. on Monday after receiving a call about a disturbance. When they arrived, they spoke with the babysitter, who described a chilling turn of events.
According to the babysitter, the child she was watching insisted there was a “monster” hiding under the bed. Trying to reassure the frightened child, she checked under the bed—only to come face-to-face with a real-life intruder.
Babysitter Confronts the Intruder
Authorities identified the suspect as 27-year-old Martin Villalobos Jr., who had been hiding under the child’s bed. The situation quickly escalated into a struggle between the babysitter and the intruder. During the confrontation, one of the children was knocked over.
It remains unclear if the babysitter or the child suffered injuries. Officials stated that Villalobos fled the scene before deputies arrived.
Suspect Was Banned from the Property
Investigators later revealed that Villalobos had previously lived at the residence but was legally barred from being on the property due to a protection from abuse order against him.
Despite this restriction, he had managed to sneak into the home and hide under the child’s bed—until the child’s innocent fear led to his discovery.
The Manhunt and Arrest
After escaping the house, Villalobos remained on the run for a few hours. However, deputies tracked him down the following morning near the same residence.
When officers attempted to arrest him, Villalobos made one last attempt to flee, but after a short chase on foot, he was caught and taken into custody.
Facing Serious Charges
Villalobos is now behind bars at the Barton County Jail, facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Aggravated burglary
- Aggravated battery
- Child endangerment
- Felony obstruction of law enforcement
- Violation of a protection from abuse order
Authorities confirmed that he is being held on a $500,000 bond.
A Shocking Night Ends in Justice
What started as an innocent child’s fear turned into a major law enforcement incident. Thanks to the babysitter’s quick response, authorities were able to capture a man who was not supposed to be there in the first place.
While it’s a terrifying reminder of the dangers lurking where we least expect them, this incident also highlights the importance of listening to children—even when they talk about “monsters” under the bed.
