By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Both suspects from Wednesday’s chase that resulted in a crash within Great Bend city limits have been apprehended.
Two suspects fled away from a Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputy in a Hyundai Sonata after being pulled over for a speeding violation. Law enforcement discovered the vehicle was stolen from Great Bend and the chase ended when the driver crashed the vehicle trying to make a turn near the 10th Street and McKinley Street intersection. The chase reached speeds of up to 115 miles an hour west of town.
Both suspects in the vehicle fled on foot, with one being captured and another escaping. Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir said a juvenile male turned himself in Wednesday night after a search ensued following the crash earlier that morning.
"I don't believe there was really any imminent danger to the public," said Bellendir. "These guys just wanted out of the area as quick as they could. The one that we captured only made it about a block. The other one got outside of the perimeter before we could get enough cops over there. He got away from us but he knew we were looking for him."
During the search, the officers from the Great Bend Police Department made sure nearby Eisenhower Elementary School was secure.
"I hate it when you have one flee in the city in residential areas," said Bellendir. "There are a lot more hiding places. There's also the potential for a burglary. They can be hiding in storage sheds, dog houses and every place. It's a little tougher in an urban environment rather than out in the country."
The driver, also a juvenile, was wanted in Ellis and Rush counties for various charges.
Bellendir said the juveniles was charged with obstruction to a law enforcement officer and was released to the Juvenile Justice Authority (JJA).