A Wichita woman was arrested Saturday following an Ark City Police investigation into counterfeit bills. Her arrest followed a pursuit that ended in Derby.
31-year-old Angela Jolynn Smith-Rael has been booked into the Cowley County Jail on counts of manufacturing counterfeit currency and theft. Her bond is set at $25,000 and she remained in jail Wednesday.
Around 11:10 am Saturday, officers were dispatched to Casey’s at 3413 N Summit Street for the report of a female attempting to purchase items with a counterfeit $50 bill. The clerk at Casey’s did not accept the transaction and the suspect walked out with several items without paying for them and drove away.
Officers responded to gather preliminary information. A short time later, Officers learned the same female had also attempted to pass a counterfeit $50 bill at Casey’s Midtown at 1425 N Summit Street. Investigators obtained vehicle information for the suspect and it was relayed to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Just before midnight, officers learned the Cowley County Sheriff’s Dept. was involved in a vehicle pursuit with the suspect vehicle. The pursuit ended in Derby and Smith-Rael was arrested.
Officers also learned that she had been staying at America’s Best Value Inn, a hotel in Arkansas City. A search warrant was applied for, and granted for the room associated with Smith-Rael and as a result multiple items associated with the manufacturing of counterfeit currency were located.
The female also faces additional charges, including flee and elude, through the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said this case is ongoing and officers are investigating possible accomplices, as well as other possible victims of the counterfeit currency.
“This investigation was sparked by alert, observant employees. They provided the necessary information in a timely fashion so that officers could broadcast the description which put our partners at the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office in a great position to intercept. Thank you to the watchful clerks and to the members of the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in capturing the suspect in this case. This investigation is ongoing with the hopes of making more arrests in the immediate future.” Police Chief Eric Burr.