SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a stolen vehicle and crash continue to search for a suspect identified as Steven Matthew Rule, 40, of Topeka who was involved, according to Shawnee County Sheriff Brian Hill.
Rule is described as approximately 5-foot-10, 185 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen fleeing the area of SW 17th Street and McAlister Avenue around 9 a.m. Thursday, wearing gray shorts, black tennis shoes and no shirt at that time. Rule has multiple tattoos on his upper right arm.
On Thursday police were investigating a stolen vehicle report in Topeka, according to Topeka Police LT Manuel Munoz. Through the investigation, officers were notified that the vehicle was in the area of SW 17th and SW Wanamaker in Topeka.
Police located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle fled east on SW 17th and officers did not pursue. A short time later, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s deputy observed the vehicle, which had been involved in a vehicle accident at SW 17th and SW McAlister when it struck a tree.
Several individuals ran from the scene and the Deputy began to run after them. During the foot pursuit, the deputy heard shots being fired and summoned additional assistance. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Washburn University Police, arrived on scene.
Two individuals were taken into custody at the scene. Rule is still missing and law enforcement are utilizing K-9 units, drones, and air support from the KHP. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Steven Matthew Rule is urged to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (785–251–2200) or our Criminal Investigations Division immediately.
No officers or citizens were injured during this incident.