A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended in a crash Monday morning after the driver lost control and struck a tree near the intersection of K-18 and Lincoln Street in Bennington.
According to authorities, a Saline County deputy located a stolen 1997 Toyota Camry out of Hays on Interstate 70 at approximately 10:57 a.m. on January 12. The deputy attempted a traffic stop at the Singh Travel Plaza on Hedville Road, but the vehicle fled northbound on Hedville Road into Ottawa County before continuing east on K-18.
While traveling east of the K-106 junction, the suspect sideswiped a Nissan Versa while attempting to pass and continued eastbound on K-18, later following K-18 north and then east into Bennington. Authorities reported that speeds during the pursuit exceeded 100 mph at times.
The driver briefly traveled into Bennington before returning to K-18 and heading east again. At the intersection of K-18 and Lincoln Street, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree on the northeast corner of the intersection, ending the pursuit.
The driver, Shawn M. Hiatt, of Leavenworth, was transported to Salina Regional Health Center by Ottawa County EMS. Upon his release from the hospital, Hiatt was booked into the Saline County Jail.
He faces charges including:
- No driver’s license
- Felony flee and elude
- Possession of stolen property
- Aggravated battery
The incident remains under investigation, and additional charges may be requested as the case progresses.