Vehicle rollover causes fire, no major injuries

A rollover accident Wednesday at the intersection of 23rd and Vermont streets ended in a vehicle fire but no life-threatening injuries.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m., a white 1986 Toyota pickup driven by 16-year-old Clinton W. Allen, rural Lawrence, was at a stop sign on Vermont facing north toward 23rd Street, Police Lt. Steve Zarnowiec said. Allen attempted to cross 23rd Street but was struck by an eastbound white 1992 Chevrolet Beretta driven by 51-year-old Hoyt resident Elmer L. Dilsaver, Zarnowiec said.

Allen’s truck overturned at impact, blocking westbound traffic on 23rd Street. When a tow truck attempted to flip the truck to an upright position, it caught fire, Zarnowiec said.

Allen and Dilsaver both suffered bumps and bruises and were transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where they were treated and released.

Allen was cited for proceeding from a stop sign when it was unsafe to do so, Zarnowiec said.

The westbound lanes of 23rd remained closed for about 50 minutes.

Driver chases car after suspect takes it

A man who saw someone take his car after he left it running early Wednesday outside a downtown bar tried to chase after it on foot.

Lawrence Police finished the job for him, stopping it about a block away and arresting the driver on suspicion of theft, police reported.

About 1:45 a.m., a 27-year-old Lawrence man parked his 1995 Nissan Altima in the 1000 block of Massachusetts Street and ran inside a nearby bar to check on a friend, police said. He then saw someone start to drive off in his car.

The man ran back outside, jumped in front of the car but the car drove around him.

Police officers nearby saw the commotion and stopped the car at 11th and Vermont Streets.

Manuel Gullatt Jr., 30, 155 Indian Ave., was taken to the Douglas County Jail. He was charged Wednesday afternoon with misdemeanor theft and freed on his own recognizance.