Salina Post
A Leavenworth man was arrested by Saline County deputies, after reaching speeds of over 100 mph in a stolen vehicle.
According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Monday at around 10:57 am, a deputy was on I-70 in the area of milepost 239 attempting to locate a 1997 Toyota Camry, as it was reported stolen out of Hays by the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).
Reportedly, the deputy located the vehicle and pursued after it eastbound on milepost 239. Other deputies and officers pursued after the vehicle as well, but the driver exited onto Hedville and continued northbound with speeds ranging from 75-120 mph.
The driver entered into Ottawa County and went to the intersection of K-18 going eastbound. As the pursuit continued, the driver tried to pass a Nissan Versa in front, but there was oncoming traffic going westbound. The driver then re-corrected back onto the eastbound lane, sideswiping the Nissan that was in front of the suspect.
The Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim was okay.
Afterwards, the suspect continued eastbound on K-18, following K-18 north and then east into Bennington.
The suspect drove a short distance into Bennington, before returning to K-18 and heading back east on K-18.
At the intersection of K-18 and Lincoln Street the driver lost control and struck a tree on the northeast corner of the intersection.
The pursuit lasted for about 17 minutes.
The suspect identified as Shawn Hiatt (37) of Leavenworth was arrested on the scene and transported to Salina Regional Health Center by Ottawa County EMS.
Upon his release, Hiatt was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:
No Drivers License, Felony Flee and Elude, Possession of Stolen Property Aggravated Battery and a Warrant out of Leavenworth County for Domestic Battery.
This incident is under investigation and additional charges may be requested, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.