Driver faces charges in wake of police chase

A 26-year-old Kansas City, Mo., man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase through Johnson and Douglas counties early Wednesday morning now faces numerous charges.

Antonio Zavala Pisano was charged Thursday with fleeing to elude the police, reckless driving, obstructing the legal process and theft. Three women who were in the stolen vehicle were detained, but they were not charged and have been released.

Officials said the extensive chase began at midnight Tuesday in Johnson County, headed west down Kansas Highway 10 and through parts of Lawrence. The chase – at times more than 110 mph – continued along the South Lawrence Trafficway and onto the Kansas Turnpike at the Lecompton entrance.

According to a Kansas Turnpike Authority official, the car then drove 19 miles to the East Turnpike Terminal, before turning around at the toll booths. The car then came back 12 miles, leaving the turnpike at the East Lawrence exit and returning to the city. According to Lawrence police, the vehicle went through the parking lot of the former Tanger Outlet Mall, 1035 N. Third St.

After turning on several streets in North Lawrence and driving the wrong way across the Kansas River Bridge, the vehicle hit a curb and was stopped at Sixth and Minnesota streets – about an hour after the chase began.

The driver reportedly complained his leg was broken, so he was taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, a KTA official said. After it was determined his leg was not broken, he was taken to Douglas County Jail. One woman ran from the car but was later found. She and two other passengers were taken to Douglas County Jail, then released.

Pisano’s next court hearing is Monday.