By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
A pursuit through the northern part of Salina ended early Thursday when a Salina Police Department K-9 caught up with the driver who fled a traffic stop on foot.
Just after 2 a.m. Thursday an officer noticed that a 2000 Cadillac without a license plate light failed to use a turn signal in the 700 block of N. 12th Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.
Before the officer could initiate a stop, the car accelerated away from the scene and the officer began a pursuit of the car through parts of north Salina.
Forrester said the maximum speed during the pursuit was 50 mph.
The car entered Thomas Park, 1525 N. Ninth Street, and traveled to the west end of the park, where the driver jumped out of the car and fled on foot into the woods, leaving the car in gear. The car struck a fence and then came to rest when it hit a tree, Forrester said. A male passenger was still in the car.
The pursuing officer deployed K-9 Tyrann, who chased the driver approximately 250 yards into the woods before apprehending him.
The driver, identified as Tyler Paxson, 32, of Salina, was found to have a suspended driver's license. He also was found to allegedly be in possession of methamphetamine, Forrester said. Additionally, the car had on it a license plate stolen from another vehicle.
Paxson was arrested on requested charges of Flee and elude, Felony interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, Driving while suspended, No proof of insurance and Multiple traffic violations.