2009-A01
NEWS RELEASE:  February 23 , 2009
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT:  Lieutenant Tom Catania (913) 782-8100

Kansas Highway Patrol Asks for Assistance in Locating Witnesses

Event occurred Feb. 20 on I-35, between the South Gardner Road and Edgerton exits

The Kansas Highway Patrol is seeking assistance from the public to gather further information about an event that occurred last week on I-35, in southwestern Johnson County, between Gardner and Edgerton.

On February 20, 2009, a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper stopped to assist a person on southbound I-35, near milepost 203, or between the South Gardner Road and Edgerton exits. The trooper noticed that the individual had an open container of cereal malt beverage in his vehicle.

The subject began to fight when the trooper attempted to place him under arrest, ultimately fleeing on foot. Traffic came to a halt on I-35 when the trooper began chasing the subject on foot. The subject ran to one car, attempted to open the door, and when he learned it was locked, he attempted to jump into the vehicle through the sunroof. When that was unsuccessful, the subject ran to another vehicle where he attempted to open its door. The trooper caught the subject as he was attempting to enter the second vehicle. Both vehicles left the area before officers could identify anyone in them.

The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to speak to the driver and/or occupants of these vehicles, and/or anyone who might have witnessed the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kansas Highway Patrol at 913-782-8100. KDOT message boards will be posted in the area of the incident to assist in identifying the witnesses. No vehicle descriptions are available at this time.