SALINA —A wanted Kansas felon is back in jail after running from a traffic stop in Salina.
Just before 11a.m. Sunday, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Ford Focus, in the 1600 block of S. 9th, due to an expired tag. The driver, later identified as 29-year-old Malachi Lageman of Salina, gave the officer with a false name. As the officer was checking the name, Lageman drove off.
A vehicle pursuit was initiated. Speeds reached 70 miles per hour and went to the area of Sheridan and West Crawford where the Lageman abandoned the vehicle and ran.
Lageman was observed running in the 600 block of S. Phillips where officers were able to take him into custody.
Prior to being arrested, in an attempt to hide from officers, Lageman hid in a garage in the 600 of S. Phillips. It was later determined Lageman had taken the vehicle without permission from someone he knew who lived in the 700 block of S. 9th Street. The vehicle was valued at $3000.
Police also found a handgun in the vehicle Lageman abandoned.
Lageman is being held on requested charges of Flee/Attempt to Elude, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Interference with Law Enforcement, Felony Theft, Burglary (for hiding in the garage). Lageman also had an active warrant for Domestic Battery, Theft, Possession of Stolen Property (Firearm), and possession of an opiate.
Lageman has previous convictions that include theft, burglary, criminal threat, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and domestic battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.