According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, it all began around 4:00, when a 2019 Toyota Camry was northbound on U.S. Highway 75 and missed the exit to the Prairie Band Casino at 150th Road.
The driver attempted to turn around at 158th Road and, while re-entering the highway headed south, allegedly collided with the rear of a southbound semi-trailer. The car, which sustained significant front-end damage, allegedly fled the scene without stopping. The semi driver was not injured.
After leaving the scene, the Camry exited at 150th Road, allegedly failed to stop at the stop sign, and turned east. A Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly refused, leading officers on a pursuit. During the chase, the driver reportedly turned off the headlights and continued at a high rate of speed before leaving the road, striking a large limestone rock, and coming to rest.
The driver, identified as 27-year-old Logan Bartley of Topeka, allegedly fled on foot. With assistance from a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft, deputies found and arrested Bartley near the scene at about 8:50.
Everyone in the car, including two passengers from Topeka, 27-year-old Destainy Herrick and 23-year-old Braeden Hill, refused medical treatment. Herrick was arrested for interference with law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance.
Bartley, who Morse says had recently been released from the Department of Corrections, faces charges including fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, interference with law enforcement, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stop at a stop sign, criminal damage to property, and operating a vehicle without a valid license.
The investigation is ongoing.
