TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Two men are behind bars after they attempted to escape from several vehicle stops, and Topeka police have made arrests on alleged similar offences.
The Topeka Police Department told 13 NEWS that shortly after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, officers saw a vehicle committing a traffic violation in the 1100 block of SW MacVicar Ave.
Officials said when they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, later identified as TyRon E. Wagner, 32, of Topeka, attempted to escape from the car. After a short chase, they said they managed to arrest him.
Following a preliminary investigation, TPD said officials found Wagner had a warrant out for his arrest for forgery and theft. They also recovered a stolen firearm, as well as marijuana and methamphetamines.
Then, at around 3:45 pm, officers said they saw a separate vehicle commit another traffic offense that warranted a traffic stop. They said this driver, identified as Austin K. North, 31, of Topeka, had also attempted to escape from his vehicle.
TPD indicated that the investigation into this arrest found that North also had an active arrest warrant for felony possession of a weapon by a felon, interference with law enforcement, and theft. Officials also found methamphetamine and marijuana in this vehicle and that the car had been stolen.
Officials have not said whether or not the incidents are related.
Both suspects were incarcerated at the Shawnee Co. Department of Corrections and remain behind bars with no bond listed.
Wagner was booked on:
- Criminal use of a weapon
- Criminal possession of a weapon by a criminal
- Battery on law enforcement
- Interference with law enforcement
- Improper shutdown
- Possession of stolen goods – firearm
- Distribution of marijuana
- Distribution of opiates
- Possession of opiates
- Marijuana possession
North has been booked on:
- Possession of opiates
- Criminal use of a weapon
- Possession of stolen goods
- Marijuana possession
- Use or possession with the intent to use drug paraphernalia
- Registration plate not assigned to the vehicle
- Criminal carrying of a weapon
