Updated Thursday morning:
Wabaunsee County authorities have identified the driver of one of two stolen vehicles involved in a two county chase Wednesday, and provided further details. Bradley Sutton, 24, was taken into custody on Wells Creek Road after driving a vehicle reported stolen from a Wamego convenience store earlier in the day.
A second vehicle that apparently was travelling with Sutton and reported stolen out of Topeka continued to flee, and ended up striking the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Department vehicle on the Belvue/Paxico bridge over the Kansas River. As earlier reported, the suspect then jumped into the river and was last seen floating downstream. The Kansas Highway Patrol provided support from the air, with boats also conducting a search for the suspect, who is unidentified at this time.
###
(earlier report)
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat confirmed Wednesday evening a chase that began late Wednesday morning ended with one of his department’s vehicles struck by a suspect driving a reported stolen vehicle — who then jumped into the river off the Belvue Bridge. Two boats were searching the river and several agencies assisted in an attempt to locate the suspect. A report from the Topeka Capital-Journal said the search was called off later on Wednesday afternoon with the suspect remaining at large. Riat also indicates one of his deputy’s was treated at the scene after the vehicle he was in was struck while positioned on the Belvue Bridge.
Riat says two stolen vehicles were involved originally, with one recovered in Wabaunsee county. The other was involved in the crash when the disappearance of the suspect into the river occurred.
Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Department officials are advising their residents to keep houses and vehicles locked, not open the door for strangers and to call 911 with any worries about suspicious activity/persons, or leads.
