A theft at Walmart precipitated a brief car chase and two arrests Thursday afternoon, Iola Police Chief Jared Warner told the Register.
The ruckus started shortly after 4 o’clock, Warner said, when dispatchers received a call of a black car speeding along Miller Road.
Around the same time, Officer Mike Aronson was northbound on Kentucky Street and saw the same car headed south of Kentucky at high speed.
Aronson began his pursuit as the car left Kentucky and zoomed east on U.S. 54.
Meanwhile, Walmart employees reported a theft, with the suspects’ car matching the description of the one being pursued.
A BB gun pistol believed stolen from Walmart apparently had been tossed from the car window, and was recovered in the 300 block of North Kentucky Street, Warner said.
Officers caught up to the car and convinced the driver to pull over near the Eastlawn Addition between Iola and Gas.
Jedediah Durby, 34, Thayer, was arrested for suspicion of theft, reckless driving, endangerment, no liability insurance, illegal registration, failure to yield and violating basic speed rules. Bradley Westbrooks, 21, Thayer, was arrested for suspicion of theft.
A female passenger in the vehicle was interviewed and released, Warner said.
The vehicle sustained damage, Warner said, after it apparently didn’t get slowed in time to maneuver the T intersection between Miller Road and Kentucky Street. Evidence suggests the car ran into the ditch at the intersection.
The vehicle was towed from the scene, Warner said.
Westbrooks and Durby were booked into Allen County Jail and released on bond.
