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Sheriff: Kan. man rammed police vehicle during 100-mph chase

JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a high-speed chase.

Downs -photo Jackson County

Just before 8 p.m. Thursday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a reckless driver northbound on US Hwy 75 near the Shawnee County line, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a silver 2004 Ford Mustang near 134th and US Hwy 75.

The vehicle failed to yield and fled northbound at speeds around 100 mph.

The vehicle continued north to 150th Road where the vehicle headed eastbound to U. Road, went south on U. Road to 142 Road and continued back towards US Hwy 75 when a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Potawatomi Tribal Police Officer deployed stop sticks flattening three of the vehicle’s tires.

The vehicle made its way back to US 75 Hwy and headed north turning westbound on 150th Road.

Deputies, KHP Troopers and Tribal Police brought the vehicle to a stop west of Q. Road on 150th.  Law enforcement attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle when the driver accelerated crashing the Mustang into a Potawatomi Tribal Police vehicle placing law enforcement officers in jeopardy.

The driver identified as Kristen Michael Downs, 38, Overbook, allegedly nearly struck several law enforcement officers with his vehicle while they were attempting to remove him from the vehicle.

Law enforcement officers received only minor injuries. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.  Downs was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, according to Morse.

He is being held in the Jackson County Jail for aggravated assault, aggravated battery, felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving under the influence, transporting open container, criminal damage to property, reckless driving and multiple other traffic infractions.

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