FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection with a stolen vehicle and high speed chase in southwest Kansas.
Just after 12:30a.m. Thursday, 12:40 a.m., police were dispatched to an auto theft that had just occurred in the 500 block of Inge Avenue in Garden City, according to a media release.
Officers learned that 43-year-old Roberto Gallegos was driving Chevrolet 1500 that was stolen from the residence.
Officers located the vehicle at the Lowe's Travel Stop, 3200 E. Highway 50 and attempted a traffic stop. Gallegos refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit headed east on U.S. Highway 50, and the Finney County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. As stop sticks were being set up to end the pursuit, Gallegos swerved at several Deputies in an attempt to strike them.
The vehicle drove onto the shoulder and continued eastbound on U.S. Highway 50. The pursuit traveled into Gray County past Ingalls before stopping near mile marker 99, and Gallegos was taken into custody.
The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Gray County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the pursuit.
Gallegos is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Assault LEO, Flee and Elude, Interference LEO, Theft, Reckless Driving and No Valid Driver’s License. There were no injuries reported.
Gallegos was released from prison in December. He has previous convictions for aggravated arson, burglary and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.