Hailey
A dramatic car chase in Emporia, Kansas ended with the arrest of a man from Wichita. The story began at a local store and ended on the open road after the driver attempted to escape law enforcement.
This event highlights how seriously authorities treat reckless driving, fleeing from police, and intoxicated driving. Let’s dive into what happened, step by step, and why the outcome matters for everyone who drives.
What Happened?
Initial Contact and Suspected Driver
The chase began when the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) asked the Emporia Police Department (EPD) to find a driver believed to be intoxicated. The suspect was identified as Brandon E. Mangus, age 38, from Wichita. He was driving a white Chevy Tahoe with temporary licence tags.
Where It Started
Officials located the vehicle at a Dollar General store at 1202 E. 12th Ave., Emporia. When officers tried to stop the car as it left the store’s parking lot, Mangus did not pull over.
The Chase
The driver sped through northeast and east-central parts of Emporia, then got onto Highway 99 heading north into Lyon County. Authorities say the chase ended when deputies from the county used stop sticks to deflate all four tires of the Tahoe.
The stop sticks are devices laid across the road to safely disable a fleeing vehicle. The end of the chase was declared safe by the officers.
Charges and Booking
Here is a clear breakdown of the charges faced by the suspect:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Felony Flee and Elude | Trying to escape or avoid police during a stop |
| Reckless Driving | Driving in a way that risks others’ safety |
| Driving While Suspended | Operating a vehicle despite licence being suspended |
After his arrest, Brandon E. Mangus was booked into the Lyon County Jail. At the time of reporting, no bond amount was listed.
Why This Is Important
- Safety risks: Chases like this put many lives at risk — not just the driver’s, but also other motorists, pedestrians, and officers.
- Quick law-enforcement action: The collaboration between the KHP and EPD shows how connected agencies respond when someone is suspected of dangerous driving.
- Serious consequences: Because the actions included fleeing and driving while suspended, the suspect faces major charges that are far above simple traffic violations.
- Public awareness: For teens and new drivers especially, this case is a reminder to always obey traffic laws, never drive under the influence, and never attempt to escape police.
What Could Happen Next?
Once the legal process moves forward, the suspect may face:
- Court hearings to address the felony and other charges.
- Possible jail time or heavy fines if convicted of felony flee and elude.
- Impacts on his driving record and future insurance or licence eligibility.
- A public record that could affect job prospects or rental applications.
This case involving Brandon E. Mangus in Emporia is a clear example of how dangerous it is to drive under the influence and attempt to run from law enforcement.
From leaving a store to a full-blown highway chase, the events show how quickly things can escalate and how serious the consequences become.
For any driver — especially young or inexperienced ones — the lessons are clear: obey the rules, don’t drive if you’re impaired, and never reject a lawful traffic stop.