In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, a suspected shoplifter was struck by a car while fleeing from Walmart security in Wichita, Kansas.
The incident occurred on West Kellogg, near the 6500 block. According to authorities, the suspect’s attempt to escape led to a foot pursuit, which ultimately resulted in serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle.
This incident has raised important questions about public safety and the consequences of fleeing from law enforcement. Here’s everything you need to know about the incident.
Details of the Incident
The incident unfolded when Wichita Police Department (WPD) officers were working a secondary employment assignment at the Walmart located on West Kellogg. Dispatchers received an alert regarding a potential shoplifting incident at the store.
Upon investigating, officers identified the suspect and attempted to make contact. The suspect, a male, then fled the scene on foot, running toward Kellogg, which is a busy highway.
- Time of Incident: Friday (exact time not mentioned)
- Location: 6500 block of West Kellogg, Wichita, Kansas
- Suspect’s Action: The male suspect fled on foot, heading towards Kellogg.
- Pursuit: Officers attempted a foot pursuit but discontinued the chase before entering the highway.
- Collision: The suspect continued to cross Kellogg and was struck by a westbound vehicle.
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Walmart at 6500 block of West Kellogg |
| Suspect’s Action | Fleeing the scene on foot, heading toward Kellogg |
| Officer Action | Foot pursuit initiated but discontinued |
| Collision | Suspect struck by a westbound car on Kellogg |
| Injuries | Potentially critical injuries to the suspect |
| Road Closures | Kellogg westbound lanes closed for hours |
What Happened After the Collision?
After the suspect was struck by the vehicle, authorities responded quickly. Emergency services arrived at the scene, and the westbound lanes of Kellogg, specifically U.S. 54 near Interstate 235, were closed for several hours.
The closure allowed the Wichita Police Department (WPD) to investigate the incident thoroughly. During the investigation, officers likely gathered evidence, interviewed witnesses, and worked with traffic authorities to clear the scene.
The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital with potentially critical injuries, according to police.
However, the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision was not reported to be injured, and the incident appears to have been an unfortunate accident during the suspect’s escape attempt.
Why Did the Police Discontinue the Foot Pursuit?
Police officers initially initiated a foot chase, but they discontinued the pursuit before entering Kellogg. Authorities have policies regarding the safety of pursuits, particularly on busy highways.
The officers likely made the decision to halt the chase to prevent further risk to public safety, especially given the potential danger of pursuing a suspect on such a high-traffic road.
However, the suspect continued running across the highway and was eventually struck by a passing vehicle.
Impact on the Community and Investigation
This incident highlights the risks involved when individuals attempt to flee from law enforcement. While shoplifting is a criminal offense, this event shows the dangerous outcomes that can occur when suspects attempt to escape in a high-speed, high-risk manner.
The community of Wichita is no stranger to such incidents, but this particular event has raised awareness of the need for both law enforcement training and public safety measures.
The shoplifting incident and subsequent foot chase that led to a collision on West Kellogg has become a point of discussion for both law enforcement and the Wichita community.
The suspect, who sustained potentially critical injuries, will likely face charges related to shoplifting, eluding officers, and the consequences of fleeing from law enforcement.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are looking into all aspects of the case to determine the next steps.