An attempted traffic stop near New Cambria escalated into a chase in eastern Saline County and western Dickinson County early this morning.
Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a deputy attempted to stop a red 2004 Pontiac Montana that was not maintaining the proper lane while driving eastbound on East Old U.S. Highway 40 just after 3 a.m. Thursday. The SUV did not stop and continued eastbound at speeds up to 60 mph, Soldan said.
The vehicle went through Solomon and into Dickinson County, where Dickinson County Sheriff's personnel set up stop spikes at Fair Road, he said. The SUV drove through the spikes and traveled a short distance further east before going into the ditch, Soldan said.
The driver, Lonnie Hulsey, 29, of Abilene, refused to exit the SUV, so pepper balls were deployed into the driver's side window, Soldan explained. Hulsey quickly exited through the passenger door and was taken into custody, Soldan said.
Hulsey was arrested on suspicion of the following and booked into the Saline County Jail, Soldan said.
Felony driving under the influence
Flee and elude
Driving while suspended
Improper driving on a laned roadway