SALINE COUNTY ——Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a pursuit through part of south Salina.
Just after 10a.m. Thursday police were sent to the 2700 block of South Ninth Street in Salina for the report of a suspected intoxicated driver who was operating a white 2017 Ford F-150, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.
A vehicle pursuit was initiated by a Saline County Sheriff’s Office employee prior to police personnel arriving in the area. Police officers took over the pursuit in the area of Centennial Road and Sunflower Drive.
The driver, later identified as James Batterton, 61, Wichita, failed to stop for a traffic control device, exceeding the posted speed limit, and crossing the center line of the roadway. During the pursuit, a vehicle tire-deflating device was deployed to deflate one of the pickup’s tires.
The pickup did come to a stop in the 2600 block of Centennial Road, however, the operator of the vehicle refused to exit the vehicle during the high risk traffic stop, according to Hanus. A police canine was deployed and pulled the driver from the vehicle.
EMS transported Batterton to Salina Regional Health Center and treated for lacerations. He was then arrested on the requested charges that include Driving while under the influence, Fleeing/attempt to elude, Speeding, Traffic control device violation, Transporting an open container and Interference.