JACKSON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges following a two county chase.
Just before 10:30p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 2016 Chevy Equinox on US Highway 75 near 110th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 28-year-old Chelsea Jean finch of Powhattan, allegedly failed to stop. The vehicle continued south into Shawnee County.
Several law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department assisted and attempted to stop the pursuit with tire deflation devices which resulted in the deflation of two passenger side tires.
The pursuit continued west on Interstate 70 where the suspect vehicle left the interstate on Danbury Lane and sideswiped another vehicle.
The suspect vehicle continued, striking a mailbox with the pursuit coming to a stop near Fairlawn and West Drive. Officers took Finch into custody. The Chevy Equinox she was driving had been reported stolen out of Lawrence.
Deputies transported Finch to the Jackson County Jail where she is being held on requested charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, identity theft, avoiding spike strips, reckless driving, driving while suspended, multiple counts of stolen property, according to Morse. Further charges on Finch are possible.
Finch is known to area law enforcement. In 2020, Finch was involved in a pursuit in Shawnee County. In 2018, Jackson County Deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.