Dec 05, 2019

Kan. man jailed after chase at speeds over 100mph

Posted Dec 05, 2019 11:00 PM


Stephen Lee Contrerez photo Barton County


BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a high-speed chase in Barton County.


Just before 5.a.m. Thursday, the Great Bend Police Department received a report of a stolen vehicle in the city, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.


A Great Bend police officer located the vehicle on 10th St. and attempted to stop the Chevrolet Traverse.


The vehicle fled from the police department eastbound on 10th St. reaching speeds of approximately 112 MPH.


The vehicle fled east from the City of Great Bend where Barton County Sheriff’s deputies became involved in the chase.


The stolen vehicle went north on Kansas 156 Highway at speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour, at times shutting off its lights and driving left of center on the roadway.


The chase continued into the northeast part of Barton County crossing Kansas 4, at one point entering a field and then coming back onto the roadway.


At about 5:30 AM the suspect vehicle reached Northeast 180 Road near NE. 100th Ave. where the driver lost control.


As a Sheriff’s patrol car approached the vehicle, the patrol unit was intentionally rammed by the suspect vehicle.


Deputies were able to block the vehicle in and take the driver into custody approximately ½ mile west of Hitschmann, Kansas, according to Bellendir.


The driver identified as Stephen Lee Contrerez 32, Great Bend, was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude of a law enforcement officer, driving with no lights when required, driving while suspended and multiple other traffic violations.


The suspect was also charged by the Great Bend Police Department with the stolen vehicle case. Contrerez is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.


The Sheriff’s office was assisted by the Great Bend Police Department, the Claflin Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol.