Colby Man in Custody After Shots Fired in Brewster and Multi-County Pursuit; Multiple Felony Charges Pending

by Derek White

What began as a theft in Colby on May 13, 2025, escalated into a dangerous and fast-moving situation that stretched across Thomas and Sherman Counties, ending with the arrest of a 23-year-old Colby man now facing a slate of serious charges.

At approximately 6:25 p.m., Thomas County deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in Brewster, Kansas. According to the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect had fired a handgun at the home before fleeing. Fortunately, no one inside the residence was injured.

Law enforcement quickly linked the gunfire to an earlier incident that day at a Colby gun shop, where the suspect attempted to purchase ammunition but was denied by staff who recognized him. He then allegedly grabbed a can of 9mm ammunition from the counter and fled.

Initial confusion surrounded his escape, with officers first believing he was on foot. It was later confirmed that the suspect had stolen a vehicle in Grinnell. That vehicle was reportedly ditched somewhere in Thomas County before he stole a second vehicle from Colby and drove to Brewster, where family members reside. After firing shots, he fled west into Sherman County.

Sherman County deputies located the suspect’s vehicle and initiated a pursuit, which ended in a crash. The man surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody.

The suspect, identified as Rathe Scott Aschenbrenner, a Northwest Kansas native with a prior prison record, was booked at 8:46 p.m. by the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. He is being held without bond.

He now faces multiple charges, including:

• Attempted First-Degree Murder (STAT|21-5402)

• Criminal Threat (STAT|21-5415(a))

• Theft of Property or Services (STAT|21-5801(a)(1))

• Possession of Stolen Property (STAT|21-5801(a)(4))

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (STAT|21-6304)

• Possession of a Controlled Substance (STAT|21-5706)

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public and thanked the community for its support and vigilance.

Agencies involved in the incident response included:

• Thomas County EMS

• Colby Dispatch

• Colby Police Department

• Goodland Police Department

• Sherman County Sheriff's Office

• City of Brewster Town Marshal

• Mayor of Brewster

  
  

This incident shook both Colby and Brewster, but the quick actions of law enforcement and the community’s cooperation helped ensure a safe resolution. As the case remains under active investigation, residents are asked to continue supporting one another and trust in the legal process ahead.