FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a chase and a violent car crash.
Just after 10:30 a.m. Friday, police and firefighters were dispatched to the area of 700 E. Kansas Avenue in Garden City where a vehicle struck a lamp post, according to a news release.
The investigation revealed that a Kia Optima, driven by Cruz Velasquez, 29, of Garden City, was heading west on Kansas Avenue when he ran a red light and hit a Nissan Maxima.
Velasquez then fled the area at high speed, driving into oncoming traffic and nearly hitting more vehicles in the process.
Velasquez eventually hit a curb, causing the Kia to take off and hit the stop sign at Old Manor Road and E. Kansas Avenue and the lamp post.
Officers located Velasquez inside the Nature’s Way health food store at 701 E. Kansas Plaza. Through further investigation, it was determined that Velasquez was driving under the influence. Officers took him into custody and transported him to St. Catherine’s Hospital for evaluation.
While in the hospital, Velasquez reportedly became combative with an officer before being overpowered. The officer was not injured. No other injuries were reported in the incident.
Velasquez is being held on charges including Drunk Driving – 2nd Time, LEO Battery, LEO Criminal Interference, Possession of Opiates, Possession with Intent to Distribute Stimulant, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driver’s License invalid – 3rd time, reckless driving, Driver’s duty to provide information and driver’s duty for property damage.
