Jul 26, 2023

Kansas felon jailed after crash while fleeing traffic stop

Posted Jul 26, 2023 2:00 AM
Gruber-photo Shawnee County
Gruber-photo Shawnee County

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after he fled a weekend traffic stop.

Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, police on patrol spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen near SW 21st Street and Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.

When officers attempted to pull the driver, later identified as 25-year-old Christian M. Gruber of Topeka, over, he refused to stop.

The driver finally was forced to stop after the vehicle crashed into a business in the 2800 Block SW Wanamaker Road.  Officers found Gruber inside and he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.

EMS transported Gruber to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and interference with law enforcement.

Gruber has previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery and flee or attempted to elude law enforcement.

He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.