Topeka, KANSAS – According to the SCSO, a 60-year-old man was arrested and is now facing multiple charges following a vehicle pursuit that started at N. Kansas Avenue and US 24 Highway last night.
On Tuesday, July 12, 2022 shortly after 11:45pm, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office saw a white Ford Thunderbird driving without headlights on near N. Kansas Avenue and NE Burgess Street.
As the deputy was catching up to the vehicle in order to stop it, the vehicle turned east on US 24 Highway and the passenger began to exit. As the passenger was attempting to exit, he got caught on the seatbelt and was dragged by the Thunderbird as it continued to drive. The passenger was able to get up and run away as the vehicle continued eastbound and initiated a pursuit.
The Thunderbird travelled east on US 24 Highway, south on K4 Highway, west on NE Seward Avenue, south on NE Golden Avenue, and west on SE 21st Street. The Topeka Police Department assisted and successfully deployed spike strips at SE 21st Street and SE Adams Street.
The vehicle continued driving until it stopped at SW 21st Street and SW Potomac Drive and the driver was placed into custody. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a gun reported stolen out of the City of Topeka and illegal narcotics were located.
60-year-old Johnny Powers Sr. was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections the charges of aggravated battery, felony flee and elude, no proof of liability insurance, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, driving with headlights when required, possession of stolen property, reckless driving, driving in center lane of three lane road, driving under the influence, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and driving while suspended.
