SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a fatal crash has been moved from a hospital to jail.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the 8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.
The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.
Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, she was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online jail records.
On Monday morning, officers located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Around noon, the vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.
Despite this, the suspect fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.
Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
One individual was apprehended, while another female suspect, later identified as Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.
KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with the Chevy Cobalt.