Deputy in high speed chase into Barber County

 


When a Woods County deputy attempted a traffic stop for speeding, he was led on a high speed chase along county roads into Kansas. According to the affidavit signed by Deputy James Jones, the pickup went through approximately 20 four-way and t-intersections without stopping.

On March 5 about 8:10 p.m., Jones was sitting in his vehicle facing north, running radar at the roadside picnic and parking area located on US 281, approximately a half mile north of Leflore Road. He saw a white pickup heading southbound from US 281 and Logan Road that appeared to be moving at a high rate of speed. Using radar, he confirmed a speed of 87 mph in a 65 mph zone. Getting behind the pickup, Jones turned on his emergency lights and siren to get the driver to pull over. The vehicle slowed at US 281 and Leflore Road, and then headed westbound on Leflore. Jones followed, and the pickup took off at a high rate of speed.

To keep up with the pickup, Jones reached speeds of 80 mph while driving down unpaved county roads. He notified dispatch that he was in pursuit of the truck. As the pursuit continued northbound, at times reaching speeds up to 90 mph, Jones notified dispatch to contact the Barber County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas to inform them the chase might be crossing the state line. Barber County confirmed that Woods County could continue the pursuit into their county and sent deputies to respond.

About 8:38 p.m. the pursuit came to an end approximately five miles west of the intersection of South West Union Chapel Road and Gyp Hill Road in Barber County, Kansas. The pursuit lasted approximately 25 minutes and covered approximately 29 miles.

Deputy Jones conducted a traffic stop with the driver who was detained without incident. The driver was identified as Tyler Ray Johnson. He did not carry a valid driver’s license but had an Oklahoma non-driver identification card. It was later learned Johnson had an expired and restricted license out of Kansas. It was also found the 2017 Chevrolet pickup was not insured by Johnson or any other owner of the vehicle.

Barber County law enforcement arrived on the scene, took custody of Johnson, and had the truck towed from the roadway.

In summing up the pursuit, Deputy Jones stated the truck went through approximately 20 four-way and t-intersections through Woods and Barber Counties. According to the affidavit, Johnson had no regard for public safety, driving through stop signs, driving at unsafe and unreasonable rates of speed down dark, unpaved roads with the intent to elude. At times, Johnson could be seen driving from one side of the road to the other in attempts to keep his vehicle on the roadway. On one occasion, Johnson drove off the roadway into a field, striking a county road sign with his truck, before returning back onto the road. Johnson was unable to make the turn due to his rate of speed and the lack of traction on the dirt road.

Striking the sign caused significant damage to the driver side of his windshield, but Johnson continued to drive with that obstruction for some time. The lack of light during the pursuit posed a danger due to the potential of not being able to see wildlife, cattle or other obstacles that may have been in the roadway. On a second occasion, approximately eight deer crossed the roadway with Johnson striking one with his pickup. On a third occasion, before turning westbound on South West Union Chapel Road, another vehicle was forced to move to the side of the roadway to avoid Johnson as he made an improper turn and failed to maintain his lane, using the opposing lane to make the turn.

Tyler Ray Johnson, 29, of Grove, has been charged with endangering others while eluding or attempting to elude a police officer, a felony. This crime is punishable by a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not less than one year or more than five years.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Arc
Newsgram

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024