Minneapolis, Kansas – A high-speed police chase involving a stolen vehicle early Sunday morning led to the arrest of four individuals in Ottawa County. The incident began around 4:30 a.m. on September 15, when officers spotted a stolen 2003 Ford F150 near Seventh and Walnut. The vehicle, reported stolen from Hillsborough, Kansas, was seen fleeing from law enforcement, prompting a dangerous pursuit.
Initial reports indicate the driver attempted to evade police by speeding away from the area. The vehicle initially traveled at 40 miles per hour but quickly accelerated, running a red light and stop sign on Santa Fe. The pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour on Ninth Street, putting the public and officers at risk.
The chase continued northbound, with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department joining the effort. The vehicle eventually entered the city limits of Minneapolis, where officers briefly lost sight of it. The stolen truck was later found abandoned within the city, prompting a search for its occupants.
Authorities deployed a K-9 unit to track down the suspects, who were found hiding in a tree line near the vehicle. The four individuals taken into custody included Ryan Hartey, a 25-year-old male from Wichita, Lucas Bolen, a 21-year-old male from Hays, a 15-year-old female, and an 18-year-old female, both from Hutchinson.
Mr. Hartey, who had an active probation violation warrant, faces multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, possession of stolen property, and kidnapping. According to officials, Hartey refused to let the 15-year-old and 18-year-old females out of the vehicle when they demanded to be released, leading to the kidnapping charge. Mr. Bolen also had a warrant from Sedgwick County District Court.
The connection between the individuals is still under investigation, as authorities work to determine how the group ended up together in the stolen vehicle. Reporters expressed concern over the involvement of a 15-year-old in the incident, with officials confirming that the female's presence in the vehicle is still unclear.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the case, with charges pending for all individuals involved.