A traffic stop-turned-pursuit ended in the arrest of two people in north Salina Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 4:40 p.m., an officer spotted a light blue 1998 Ford Taurus turning north onto Broadway Boulevard from North 12th Street with only one operational brake light, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the Taurus sped away from the officer, so a pursuit was initiated, he explained.
According to Forrester, the Taurus traveled into oncoming traffic and went around numerous vehicles at the intersection of North Ninth Street and Broadway Boulevard at speeds near 50 mph. The vehicle attempted to turn south on North Fourth Street, but struck the curb, went up into the grass, and struck some limestone rocks at R and L Motors, 304 East Pacific Avenue, disabling the vehicle, Forrester noted.
The driver, identified as Kevin Russell, 36, of Salina, fled on foot, however, a witness told police that Russell ran into the back yard of 812 North Fifth Street, Forrester reported. Officers located Russell hiding in a detached garage and he was taken into custody, Forrester added. Russell was found to have outstanding felony warrants from from the Kansas Department of Corrections, was a parole absconder, and had a suspended driver’s license, according to Forrester.
The front passenger identified as Heather Easter, 29, of Salina, also fled on foot, but was apprehended by a citizen and taken into custody by police in the 300 block of East Pacific Avenue, he noted. Another passenger was cooperative and was released at the scene, Forrester added.
Russell was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester reported.
Felony flee and elude
Felony interference with a law enforcement officer
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Habitual violator
No proof of insurance
Improper stop lamps
Duty to report an accident involving property damage
Forrester noted that Easter was charged with interference with a law enforcement officer.