Car chase begins in N. Lawrence, ends 35 minutes later near Topeka
Authorities from at least five law enforcement agencies were involved in a lengthy pursuit early this morning.
Around 2:10 a.m., police from Lawrence and Topeka attempted to stop a white 2001 GMC Jimmy that was northbound on N. 2nd Street near Lincoln Street. The driver chose to flee and the chase was on.
Douglas County Deputies joined the pursuit as the vehicle sped passed TeePee Junction, intersection of U.S. Highways 24-59 and 24-40. The chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 24-40 with speeds reaching 70 miles per hour.
As the pursuit passed Midland Junction and entered Jefferson County, at least one of their deputies joined the pursuit. Speeds ranged from 45-70 miles per hour while continuing westbound on U.S. Highway 24.
A Jefferson County Deputy was able to get in front of the pursuit and laid spike strips near Decatur Road, just east of Grantville. The vehicle hit the spike strips, shredding at least one tire.
Shawnee County Deputies and more Topeka Police officers joined the pursuit as they entered Shawnee County and eastern Topeka. A Deputy spiked the vehicle a second time near Kansas Highway 4. The second set of spike strips damaged the remaining tires on the vehicle.
After striking a bridge guardrail and making a U-turn into the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 24, the vehicle became stuck in the grassy median. The driver and a passenger were taken into custody just east of Kaw Valley Road in eastern Topeka at 2:46 a.m..
No injuries were reported in the chase that spanned about 27 miles, across parts of three counties and lasted 35 minutes.
The driver is reportedly the suspect that Topeka Police were in Lawrence looking for this morning. As of this report there is no official confirmation as to what that man was wanted for.
Check back with this report and the Lawrence Journal-World for updates as new information becomes available.
The activity blogged above was reported as it was unfolding by Operation 100 News. Learn how to receive breaking news updates here. For a full look at incidents from Douglas and Johnson counties this morning, take a look at the Operation 100 News twitter feed using the link above.