overlandpark

Man Accused Of Stealing Trooper's Car On I-435

POSTED: 6:43 pm CDT June 10, 2005

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a Kansas Highway Patrol car Friday afternoon.

KMBC's Krista Klaus reported that two troopers had pulled over four men in a car on suspicion of drug possession at Interstate 435 and Metcalf Avenue, when one of the men jumped into the patrol cruiser and sped away.

The thief didn't get far and crashed the patrol car at I-435 and Nall Avenue, according to officials. Witnesses said he slammed into a barrier, went airborne and crashed into a second concrete barrier.

The trooper's car was totaled. The driver suffered minor injuries, but no one else was injured.

"We're very lucky nobody else was involved," said Lt. Brian Basore.

Officials said the suspect faces a long list of charges.

"You're looking at auto theft, possible possession of narcotics, firearms charges -- could be a whole list of things," Basore said.

Police said two guns and crystal methamphetamine were seized from the car that was pulled over. Officials said the other three men in the car may also face charges.

The incident is under investigation, but officials said they don't anticipate any blame to fall on the troopers involved.

"There are cars stolen every day and people driving recklessly every day. Today just happened to be a trooper's car stolen," Basore said.

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