BARBER COUNTY—Two people died in an accident during a pursuit just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Barber County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a stolen 2008 Ford F350 driven by Johnathan Lee Ahlvers, 39, Halstead, was fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement southbound out of Pratt County on U.S 281 eight miles south of Sawyer.
Evidence at the scene indicates the driver intentionally struck a northbound 2000 Ford F350 driven by 70-year-old Terrill W. Underwood of Medicine Lodge.
Underwood attempted to avoid the southbound pickup by driving off the highway towards the east ditch. Ahlvers' vehicle was able to strike Underwood's vehicle in the area between the east shoulder and ditch.
Ahlvers was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Underwood to the hospital in Medicine Lodge where he died. The KHP did not have complete seat belt usage information.