A Hutchinson man, aged 36, was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit that exceeded 100 mph and spanned two Kansas counties.
Around 3:15 Monday afternoon, a Barton County sheriff’s deputy made an attempt to pull over a vehicle in Ellinwood, near US 56. Austin Newton, who was allegedly driving the vehicle, decided to flee south and accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The deputies initiated a pursuit and followed Newton as he drove through numerous fields and township roads in Rice County.
The vehicle was damaged, causing it to come to a stop on 3 Road in Rice County. Newton was arrested without any trouble. Initially, he was charged with attempting to flee and elude. However, officers discovered nearly a pound of suspected methamphetamine and over $1,400 in cash inside the vehicle.
According to the sheriff’s office, Newton has been arrested and taken to the Barton County Jail. He has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and intent to distribute, as well as felony flee and elude, among other charges. Newton is currently in custody with a bond set at $100,000 for the Barton County Charges. Additionally, he has multiple outstanding warrants in Sedgwick and Rice Counties, which also carry separate bonds.