Montgomery County—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a 2-day search.
Just after 10p.m. July 3, a Sheriff's Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a man identified as 40-year-old Jeremiah McKenzie of Cherryvale, who was operating a red ATV that was reported stolen from the area of Lamont Street and Hill Street in Dearing, Kansas, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's office.
The deputy recognized McKenzie and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. McKenzie refused to stop and fled. After a brief pursuit, the deputy lost sight of McKenzie due to reckless driving and evasive maneuvers.
Later that evening, another Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy located McKenzie operating the same ATV near County Road 2700 and County Road 3200, north of Tyro, Kansas.
When the deputy attempted another traffic stop, McKenzie again fled. During the pursuit, he entered a residential property, abandoned the ATV, and fled on foot into a nearby cornfield and heavily wooded area.
Deputies immediately established a perimeter and conducted an extensive search on foot, utilizing department drone resources from the Kansas Highway Patrol - Troop H to assist in locating McKenzie. After several hours of searching, deputies were unable to locate him and suspended the search.
Just after 10a.m. on July 1,, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office received information that McKenzie had been located at a residence on County Road 4000, southwest of Independence, Kansas. As deputies responded, they received additional information indicating McKenzie had possibly stolen another ATV or a side-by-side utility vehicle.
Deputies were then directed to another residence on County Road 3100, just south of County Road 4200, southwest of Independence. Upon arrival, deputies located McKenzie and took him into custody without incident.
During the investigation, deputies determined McKenzie had stolen a side-by-side utility vehicle belonging to a nearby resident. McKenzie was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where he was booked on requested charges of Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement X2, Burglary, Felony Theft X2, Possession of Stolen Property X3, Driving While Suspended and Multiple additional traffic violations