Nov 02, 2023

1 suspect captured after Kan. chase, crash with stolen vehicle

Posted Nov 02, 2023 12:00 AM
Photo by Mike Courson-Great Bend Post
Photo by Mike Courson-Great Bend Post

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

BARTON COUNTY —A speeding violation west of Great Bend Wednesday morning resulted in a chase into city limits and one subject is still at large. A Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to pull over a vehicle for speeding. Once running the tags, law enforcement discovered the vehicle was stolen.

The suspects fled and eventually crashed the vehicle trying to make a turn near the intersection of 10th Street and McKinley Street in Great Bend. Following the crash, two suspects fled on foot.

Sheriff Brian Bellendir said one suspect has been apprehended while the search for the second was ongoing. During the search, law enforcement made sure nearby Eisenhower Elementary School was secure.

"We believe the suspect has probably fled the area," said Bellendir. "We wanted to do a thorough check of the school over there and have a law enforcement presence there. The Great Bend Police Department handled that for us. We don't think there is any imminent danger to the public."

Bellendir said that law enforcement is still working on a name and description of the suspect at large, but did mention the white male has one of his hands bandaged.

The suspect vehicle struck a parked vehicle during the crash at the end of the chase.

"The suspect vehicle struck it broadside, and actually went under and lifted one side of it up," said Bellendir. "It was sitting with two wheels in the air at the scene."

Bellendir said the crash did not strike the business and no one was injured.