photo by: Courtesy of Lawrence Police Department

Derrick James Davidson

The Lawrence Police Department asked for the public’s help on Friday to locate a man who allegedly stole a car in Topeka and a box truck in Lawrence. Police said they believe the man may be dangerous and armed with a gun.

According to a social media post from the Lawrence Police Department, Derrick James Davidson, 31, is suspected of stealing a car in Topeka and driving it to Lawrence, then abandoning the vehicle and fleeing from Lawrence police on foot at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the 700 block of Iowa Street. About two hours later, Davidson allegedly stole a box truck in Lawrence from the 800 block of Broadview Drive. The box truck was later spotted by police in Topeka, and when police tried to detain Davidson, he fled on foot, according to the post.

The post said Davidson was also being sought in connection with past drug crimes and a parole violation.

Davidson has been convicted of several felonies in the past. He was convicted in Douglas County for felony theft and felony obstruction in 2022, and he has convictions in Franklin County for felony burglary and felony theft in 2013, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was listed as living in Baldwin City when he was last arrested in Douglas County in January 2022, according to the Douglas County Jail booking log.

Police said anyone who encounters Davidson should not approach him and should call 911.