Armed and high isn’t a good combination when committing a crime, but that's exactly what Harvey County officials say is a growing problem. One that can be dangerous for everyone involved.
Friday morning in Wichita someone tried running over a police officer with a stolen truck. The officer fired his gun at the vehicle and the suspect lead police on a chase.
The suspect was later caught and arrested. The stolen truck was from Harvey County. “Week after week we’re seeing a lot of this,” said Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton.
This latest case is just one example of a trend that has Walton worried. “It’s dangerous for the deputies because things can go awfully bad real fast,” said Walton.
In about a month they've had four cases of fleeing and eluding. “For Harvey County that's unusual. We're a small County,” Walton said.
Each of the four cases has involved a stolen vehicle, drugs and an armed weapon. Not only dangerous for deputies but for the public as well.
“I think it's tragic. I think it’s scary and getting to the point where people don't feel safe in their own homes,” said one Newton resident.
Walton says most of the suspects are from out of town and all have been armed with guns or knives. Deputies have also found stolen property in the stolen vehicles which officials say is a sign the crimes are drug-motivated.
“They steal property and sell it for dope. It’s a vicious cycle,” said Shawn Chapman an investigator for the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office.
Not only buying drugs but the Sheriff suspects the perpetrators were armed and high at the time they were caught; a dangerous combination.
“It’s extremely concerning because when they're on these drugs they just don't care, they will shoot,” he said
Now during a time of budget cuts, the Harvey County Sheriff's Department fears the problem will only grow overwhelming the County's resources.
