SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a chase that started on Interstate 70.
Just before 9:30a.m. Monday, a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta was called into the Kansas Turnpike Authority for reckless driving on Interstate 70 between Lawrence and Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.
At 9:46 a.m., a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed the Jetta near I-70 and SW 3rd Street traveling westbound at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly through traffic.
The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the Jetta near I-70 and SW Wanamaker Road but the driver later identified as 35-year-old Deandre K. Martin of Kansas City, Kan., failed to stop.
A pursuit was initiated and the driver continued westbound at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) took over as the primary pursuit unit near I-70 and SW Carlson Road. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed near the Paxico Rest Area.
The patrol trooper's car was hit twice by the fleeing vehicle. The trooper was treated at a hospital for minor injuries.
Martin sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, according to Christian.
He is facing several charges that include felony flee and elude, reckless driving, driving while license suspended and multiple traffic related charges.