A police chase shutdown a northeast Kansas Highway Saturday afternoon as authorities allegedly tried to convince a driver to surrender.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday around 2:30 p.m. deputies responded to the area of Highway 20 and Foxtail on a report of a suspended driver. Sheriff John Merchant said it was also advised that a small child was in the vehicle and the suspect was possibly armed.

A Kickapoo Reservation Officer allegedly located and stopped the vehicle for a short period of time and the driver drove away.

“A slow speed chase ensued for approximately 5 miles and then the vehicle stopped on K-20 in the vicinity of 747,” Merchant said. “K-20 was shut down for approximately one hour while
officers tried to convince the driver to surrender.”

Merchant said about 90 minutes after getting call 33-year-old Jason Thomas surrendered to authorities without incident. The child was safe and unharmed and returned to the mother. No weapon was located.

Merchant said Thomas was arrested by the Brown County Sheriffs Office on charges of Child Endangerment, Obstruction, Flee to Elude and Drive While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked.

Kickapoo PD, Horton PD, Sac and Fox PD, and Nemaha Sheriff Deputy assisted.