SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple allegations after a chase and crash in a stolen SUV.
Just after 3p.m. Monday, police in Wellington using a Flock tag reader identified a stolen SUV from Wichita with a tag from another Wichita location, according to Clearwater Police Chief Kirk Ives.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver refused to stop. That prompted a chase. After a few miles, Wellington police discontinued the chase as officers in Conway Springs took over.
A police officer deployed stop sticks. In attempt to avoid the device, the driver later identified as 18-year-old Owen Legleiter allegedly swerved at the officer. The officer fired his service revolver four times as the SUV continued on a flattened back tire.
Due to the time of day, officers were concerned that the chase would impact school busses preparing to pick up students, according to Ives. However, the chase traveled south of the school and the SUV ultimately rolled just southeast of Clearwater.
Legleiter was not injured. A passenger identified as Legleiter's 16-year-old girlfriend had a minor arm injury, according to Ives. The teen's 16-month-old daughter was not injured.
The officer who fired his weapon was placed on administrative leave. "We have not found he did anything incorrect," according to Ives. He's been with the department for three years.
Legleiter is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated child endangerment, criminal restraint, flee and elude, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen tag, criminal use of weapons and driving while suspended, according to Ives.