LAWRENCE, Kan. — Police in Kansas continue to search for the man who tore off the tip of a person’s finger with his teeth before getting away.
Authorities reported that the incident began when the suspect stole a bottle of alcohol from a nearby bar located at 7th and Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. The suspect, accused of taking Fireball from Logie’s on Mass Street, fled down Mass Street before randomly attacking a man and biting off the tip of his pinky finger.
“That’s crazy,” Ethan Dorning said.
“I’ve lived in Lawrence for like 10 years now, and I’ve never experienced anything violent like that. So, it’s crazy.”
According to Lawrence Police, the initial 911 call was made on Saturday, March 29, around 1 a.m. When officers arrived, they found the victim with a towel wrapped around his hand, and part of his pinky was placed in a cup of ice.
“They can’t identify him; that’s why we’re asking for the public’s help,” Lawrence Police Communications Manager Laura McCabe said.
She said the suspect went to an employee’s only section in the basement of a bar and stole a bottle of Fireball whiskey.
The owner of Logie’s on Mass informed affiliate WDAF that an employee quickly addressed the situation by telling the suspect he wasn’t allowed there and then escorted him outside.
Police said the manager took back the bottle. That’s when they say the suspect ran down Mass Street, bumping into another man. Police said the suspect ripped the victim’s sweatshirt.
“The victim’s girlfriend said, ‘Hey, you can’t do that,” McCabe said.
“And they kept walking, and as they were continuing to walk, the suspect ran up behind them and tackled him and bit his finger off.”
McCabe said doctors were not able to reattach the victim’s finger. However, some of the nail bed is still there.
Morgan Kabler is a student who works at a nearby boutique and restaurant. She said the whole incident is shocking.
“I’ve noticed a lot of crazy things in Lawrence, but that by far, having the energy to bite someone’s finger off after you stole, I think is kind of bizarre,” Kabler said.
McCabe said witnesses told detectives the suspect was intoxicated.
Police are still talking with witnesses, who gave descriptions of the suspect, and investigators are also sifting through surveillance videos.
“If you think you know this man, give us a call,” McCabe said.
“You can also call Crimestoppers TIPS hotline and make an anonymous tip, but I think the victim deserves some closure in this case.”
The number to the TIPS Hotline is 785-843-TIPS.
