SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a. Kansas man on multiple allegations after an alleged violent domestic incident in July that led to a high speed chase and fire this week.
Just after 2a.m. August 26, police observed a passenger vehicle run a red light near SW 21st Street and South Kansas Avenue, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.
The driver fled at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit. The suspect vehicle began driving erratically, swerving into both lanes of traffic and ignoring traffic control devices. Near SE 53rd Street and SE Adams Street, the driver left the roadway and officers discontinued the pursuit.
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the pursuit and responded to the area to assist. Around 2:20am, a deputy observed the suspect vehicle driving through the Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, and attempted to stop the vehicle.
The suspect vehicle again failed to stop and initiated a second vehicle pursuit that ended in the 2800 block of South Kansas Avenue, where the driver later identified as 28-year-old Jose L. Escalante, 29, of Topeka was taken into custody. The Topeka Fire Department responded to assist with a vehicle fire at the conclusion of the pursuit.
Escalante is being held on on requested charges that include Aggravated Kidnapping; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship, Agg Weapons Violation By Felon; Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim; Threat of force/violence, Fleeing or attempting to elude a LEO; Unknown felony; Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony; Driving Wrong Direction On 1-Way Road/Highway, Disobeying Traffic Control Device, Failure to comply with construction zone restrictions, Driving Without Lights When Needed, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Fail To Stop For A Red Traffic Control, Turn Signal Must Be Used At Least 100' Prior To Move, Driving Opposite Direction On Divided Highway, Headlamps On Vehicle Must Be Equip With Two; Reckless driving; 1st conviction; Speeding;maximum Limits, Fail To Stop At Stop Sign, Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013, Criminal Damage To Property; Misdemeanor, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required, Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/ expired tag, Improper Driving On Laned Roadway, Improper Turn Or Approach, Yield emergency vehicle; approaching vehicle, Probation County On Felony and Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsequent conviction.