Dec 19, 2023

Rural family reported woman in gold pickup was stealing mail

Posted Dec 19, 2023 2:00 AM
Kratochvil-photo Shawnee Co.
Kratochvil-photo Shawnee Co.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged mail theft.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15,  the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a report of mail theft in the 10,000 Block of SW 53rd Street, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker. The reporting party advised that a gold Ford Ranger truck was involved in the theft and was last seen traveling eastbound on SW 53rd Street.

Approximately 30 minutes later, a deputy spotted the Ford Ranger traveling southbound on southwest Auburn Rd. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the Ford Ranger failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the Ford Ranger was involved in a single vehicle accident in the 6900 block SW Morrill Rd., where both the driver and passenger fled on foot. A 25-year-old female suspect was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and a second male subject was able to avoid apprehension. Upon further investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics and stolen mail inside the Ford Ranger.

The driver, Emily Kratochvil, 25, of Topeka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on two warrants through the City of Topeka and requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of a prescription only drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, possession of stolen property, attempted identify theft, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving while revoked, tag not assigned, speeding and two charges of failing to stop at a stop sign.