SALINA, Kan. (KSNW) – A second suspect is now in custody following an officer-involved shooting in Saline County Sunday morning. It happened around 2:30 a.m.
The KBI says an officer observed a 2006 Lincoln Town Car failing to stop for multiple stops signs in north Salina. When the officer initiated a traffic stop on North Ninth St. in Thomas Park, the driver of the vehicle did not stop and a pursuit began. An occupant of the Town Car fired multiple shots at the officer’s vehicle, and the officer was struck once in his foot. The officer continued pursuing the Town Car north on Ninth St., then West on Pleasant Hill Rd., and South on Halstead Rd.
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the Salina Police Department set up stop sticks near Halstead Rd. and I-70 in an effort to deflate the approaching vehicle’s tires. As they attempted to deploy the devices, an occupant of the vehicle fired at them. One police officer and one deputy returned fire. The vehicle’s tires were not deflated, and the chase continued.
The driver lost control of the Town Car near West Crawford St. and Halstead Rd., and it crashed into a ditch. The suspect fled on foot. A 37-year-old male from Wichita was located in a nearby field. He was taken into custody.
EMS responded, and the injured Salina police officer was transported to the Salina Regional Hospital for treatment. He is expected to fully recover.
On Sunday afternoon around 1 p.m., a second suspect was arrested near the 1-70 East Topeka Turnpike interchange.
Right now, charges are pending for the suspects involved. The investigation is ongoing.
The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Saline County Attorney for review.
