Kansas criminal captured after wild police chase

FRANKLIN COUNTY — Law enforcement is investigating a Kansas felon after a wild chase in Franklin County.

On Oct. 14, sheriff’s deputies attempted a traffic stop in the 2500 block of Logan Street East in Ottawa, according to a Franklin County Sheriff’s news release.

The driver, later identified as Aaron Ayers, 36, of Wellsville, refused to stop and accelerated erratically on Kansas 68 Highway. Once Ayers reached the 3300 block of East Highway 68 near the Walmart distribution center, a deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver in an attempt to end the pursuit for the safety of the public .

The vehicle then exited the north side of the road and stopped briefly. However, Ayers was able to continue driving before being taken into custody.

The vehicle drove through a yard on private property, through a fence and into a pasture. Once Ayers began crossing private property, deputies did not follow him.

Ayers continued toward the northeast corner of the pasture, through two more fences and to a treeline where deputies lost sight of him.

Members of the Ottawa Police Service responded to help establish a perimeter and several drones were deployed to help locate the vehicle. After an extensive search, officers located the damaged vehicle in the trees. Officers responded on foot, located the driver in the truck and, with the assistance of the Osage County K9 Unit, arrested Ayers.

He received medical treatment by Franklin County Emergency Medical Services, was transported to Advent Health for evaluation, was released and is now in jail on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer order, driving while revoked, reckless driving, criminal flight and evasion, and criminal criminal damage. to the property. Ayers has previous convictions for drugs and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.