CHASE COUNTY — A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle moved through much of Chase County and into Imperial Thursday afternoon before ending with two arrests.
According to the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy spotted a dark-colored sedan traveling at a high rate of speed west of Imperial on Highway 6 around 2:39 p.m. The vehicle was clocked above the posted 65 mile-per-hour speed limit.
The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, identified as a black Ford Fusion without license plates, but the driver failed to stop and continued eastbound, increasing speed.
As the pursuit continued, another deputy positioned stop sticks farther east on Highway 6 before the vehicle entered Imperial. Officers with the Imperial Police Department also staged at the north end of Broadway Street. Authorities say the driver was able to swerve around the stop sticks and continued through Imperial.
The vehicle traveled onto Spur 15A and into Champion, then looped back toward Imperial using county roads. Spike strips were successfully deployed before the vehicle reentered town.
The pursuit continued through Imperial and east on Highway 6, where the vehicle left the roadway and drove through several fields before returning to town. After traveling through streets and yards in Imperial, the vehicle was finally stopped at the intersection of East Third Street and Highway 61.
The driver, identified as 25-year-old Brian Foster of Denver, Colorado, and a passenger, 25-year-old Michelle Marie Fernandez of Florida, were taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators later confirmed the Ford Fusion had been reported stolen.
Foster was arrested on charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities say additional charges are possible as the investigation continues. Foster is also reportedly wanted in Colorado on multiple felony charges.