JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. — A Kansas felon was found dead after a law enforcement pursuit in Jackxon County.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. Thursday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a suspicious subject at the grain silos west of Netawaka, near U.S. 75 and K-9 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.
The subject left the premises in a 2001 Grand Marquis and allegedly committed numerous traffic infractions while driving erratically. A pursuit ensued, with the vehicle traveling through portions of northeastern Jackson County. Deputies lost contact with the vehicle around 9:30 p.m. The Holton Police Department assisted with the pursuit.
Shortly before midnight, the Holton Police Department received a report of gunshots at Prairie Lake, north of the City of Holton. Holton Police officers and Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area.
The vehicle involved in the earlier pursuit was located at the scene. The vehicle subsequently exited the area where it had been parked as law enforcement approached. The vehicle nearly entered the lake and became stuck.
The driver exited the vehicle and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jackson County EMS also responded to the scene.
The driver was identified as Alden Ray Stein, 44, of Wichita.
Law enforcement processed the scene, and the matter remains under investigation. Stein had a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.