Police: Driver caught speeding at 102 mph in Bel Aire was ‘late for school’

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A Bel Aire police officer caught a driver going 102 mph in a 40 mph zone Thursday morning and took to social media to warn others against excessive speeding.

The 16-year-old driver was between Woodlawn and Rock Road on 53rd Street North when an officer clocked them on radar traveling 102 mph in a 40 mph zone. The officer locked the speed at 99 mph.

Bel Aire police said the driver told the officer he was speeding because they were late for school.

“This is not an excuse to be driving that fast on a city street or any street/highway to begin with,” the department said. “Obey the speed limit and avoid a costly citation, trip to jail or worse.”

The Kansas Highway Patrol is currently advocating for new laws to increase penalties for excessive speeding. Those penalties include higher fines, more charges and jail time for first-time offenders.

In addition to the more than $600 speeding fine, police said the teen driver could face additional fines following his court appearance if the judge finds him guilty of reckless driving.