A Salina man was arrested after multiple incidents that included a pursuit through part of the county.
On March 15, a 37-year-old Salina woman went to the Salina Police Department lobby to report that her ex-boyfriend, Joshua Barrett, 33, of Salina, had taken her white 1999 GMC Yukon. She told police that she had parked the vehicle in the 500 block of Charles.
Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that the woman said that when she went to retrieve the vehicle, Barrett pulled her out of the vehicle by her hair and also took her LG cell phone. Total loss was estimated at $6,700.
At 5:52 a.m. Wednesday, officers were sent to the 2300 block of Edward Street in regard to a domestic disturbance with the same woman and Barrett, according to Forrester. Barrett was reported to have left on foot carrying a hatchet.
Officers located the stolen Yukon leaving the area at a high rate of speed. The vehicle went south on Edward Street and then east on East Magnolia Road. According to Forrester, the Yukon had a tag that was registered to a 1991 Chevrolet pickup to Barrett and the woman.
Forrester reported that officers attempted to stop the vehicle on East Magnolia Road, but it continued east to South Simpson Road and went south. A pursuit was initiated in the 2400 block of South Simpson Road. Speeds reached approximately 90 mph, he noted. The Yukon then went east on East Water Well Road, and the officer discontinued the pursuit due to road conditions.
At approximately 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, Saline County Sheriff's deputies were sent to South Woodward Road and East Farrelly Road -- southeast of Salina -- as the Yukon was reportedly hidden in a tree row at that location. Deputies saw Barrett in the driver’s seat and as they approached, he fled. The Yukon went south through a field to Mentor Road, east on Mentor Road and then south into another field. The vehicle made a wide turn and drove back out onto Mentor Road and went west.
Forrester reported that Kansas Highway Patrol troopers then took over the pursuit. Barrett was able to elude law enforcement personnel as the road conditions were poor due to recent rains.
At 6:27 a.m. Saturday, SPD officers were sent to the 2300 block of Edward for the report of Barrett lying on the back porch of a residence. According to Forrester, Barrett was located and taken into custody. He had the key to the Yukon in his possession.
Barrett was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester noted.
Aggravated robbery
Felony theft
Domestic violence battery
Misdemeanor flee and elude
Felony flee and elude
Reckless driving
Felony interference with law enforcement
Speeding
Two counts of illegal display of tag
Improper turn