SALINA — On Thursday night, July 10, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM, officers with the Salina Police Department responded to the Airliner Motel at 781 N. Broadway following reports of a man damaging property and wielding a large piece of glass.
Upon arrival, officers encountered 48-year-old John Robert Rodgers of Salina, whose hands were reportedly covered in blood. Officers also observed that the office window of the motel had been shattered. Rodgers was taken into custody without incident.
According to motel employees, earlier that evening a key to a moped was found on the ground and kept in the office for safekeeping after Rodgers could not be located. Later that night, a 58-year-old employee heard loud banging outside and observed Rodgers allegedly striking the hood of the employee’s Lexus while shouting about his missing moped key. Dents were reportedly visible on the vehicle.
After being handed the key, Rodgers allegedly escalated the situation by breaking the glass on a fire extinguisher case, removing the extinguisher, and then throwing it through the motel’s office window. He then reportedly grabbed a piece of broken glass and attempted to stab the employee. During the altercation, the employee was struck in the face, resulting in damaged eyeglasses.
A bystander intervened and restrained Rodgers until law enforcement arrived. Police noted that alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident. The estimated total damage is approximately $2,600.
Rodgers was arrested and is facing the following alleged charges:
- Aggravated Assault
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Battery
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The investigation is ongoing.
