On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 at approximately 7:03 p.m., an Ellinwood Police officer attempted to stop a 2002 Ford Escape for a traffic violation.
The driver refused to stop, and fled eastbound from the city on Highway 56. The driver turned northbound on Northeast 130 Ave and continued to drive on various dirt roads to try and elude the officer.
The pursuit continued into Rice County where the vehicle turned northbound from the intersection of 1st Ave and 10th Road. The driver intentionally drove the vehicle down into a field, got out of the vehicle and fled on foot.
The Ellinwood officer gave case and was able to apprehend the driver approximately 100 yards from the vehicle.
The driver, identified as Clayton J. Martin of Ellinwood, was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked in on one Ellinwood Municipal Warrant, one Great Bend Municipal Warrant, Flee and Elude Law Enforcement, along with multiple other traffic and driver’s license violations.
This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ellinwood Police Department at 620-564-3001.