A routine traffic stop turned into a high-speed pursuit at around 1:30 am Wednesday when an officer attempted to pull over a white 2005 Nissan Maxima for speeding on N. Santa Fe. The driver, who was clocked going 40 in a 30 MPH zone, initially fled eastbound on North Street before weaving through several neighborhoods.
The chase, reaching speeds of approximately 100 MPH, continued as the vehicle turned north on Niles, west on Stimmel, and north on Cunningham. The pursuit ended when the driver pulled into a driveway in the 700 block of N. Cunningham and fled on foot. During the incident, the suspect ran multiple stop signs in county jurisdiction.
A 28-year-old female passenger from Salina remained in the vehicle and cooperated with authorities. She was not charged with any crimes. While authorities have identified a potential suspect, the driver remains at large as the investigation continues.
Hours later, a nearby residence on East North Street was burglarized, with thieves taking a Walther P22 handgun and a white Jeep Renegade. Investigators are exploring a possible connection between the incidents, as the abandoned Maxima was found approximately a quarter mile from the burglarized home.
George
