MOUNT HOPE, Kan. — A motorcyclist was arrested early Sunday morning after a pursuit that began in Mount Hope and continued through four jurisdictions before ending in a crash near Hutchinson.
Mount Hope part-time Police Chief James “Tim” Bryan identified the motorcyclist as 49-year-old Michael Dominick Urich. Bryan said Urich listed a Salina address but has family ties in Hutchinson.
The pursuit began Saturday night after a Mount Hope officer attempted to stop a motorcycle that was being operated without lights after dark, Bryan said.
“The cause to stop was operating a motorcycle with no lights whatsoever at hour after darkness, after that big storm came through, and refused to yield,” Bryan said.
Mount Hope is near the Sedgwick County and Reno County line. Bryan said he requested assistance after the pursuit entered Reno County.
“I requested assistance from Highway Patrol and Reno County agencies, and they all responded and did what they could do,” Bryan said.
During the pursuit, Urich is suspected of discarding a firearm, Bryan said. The firearm had not been located as of Monday.
The pursuit later continued into Hutchinson on the Woodie Seat Freeway. Bryan said the motorcyclist exited at Avenue F, traveled westbound and then turned south back onto the freeway toward South Hutchinson.
Bryan said Urich eventually turned onto a side street, lost control of the motorcycle and crashed.
Urich requested medical treatment and was transported by Reno County EMS under police supervision. Bryan said Urich was later released from the hospital and transported to the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.
“He requested transport,” Bryan said. “He was transported under police protection because it was determined he had four outstanding warrants.”
Bryan said officers recovered what he described as a substantial quantity of suspected methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms and drug paraphernalia from the motorcycle.
“The motorcycle was illegally registered and had no insurance,” Bryan said.
The motorcycle was impounded.
Sedgwick County jail records listed Urich as being held Monday on multiple agency holds. The booking information also listed active charges alleging possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.
Bryan said charges connected to the Reno County portion of the pursuit will be submitted through the Reno County District Attorney’s Office.
Law enforcement agencies continued searching for the suspected firearm after the pursuit. Bryan said a Reno County Sheriff’s Office canine and a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks evidence-recovery dog were deployed during the overnight search.
Bryan returned to the area after daylight and searched on foot. A drone was later used to search the area, but the firearm was still not located.
“I’m worried about that gun,” Bryan said. “I wouldn’t want someone collecting cans to come across it and get hurt or anything like that.”
Bryan expressed appreciation for Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell, Sgt. Conard and the assisting agencies.
“They did everything they could to help us,” Bryan said. “They put their dog out to try to find that gun. When their dog was unsuccessful, they called the Wildlife and Parks dog, that’s an evidence recovery animal, out.”
Bryan said the overnight search was conducted in difficult conditions following the storms that moved through the area.
“This is, you know, one in the morning, working in wet grass and such, so two dogs worked it that night,” Bryan said.
Anyone who may have seen anything in the area of K-96 and McNew Road or who locates possible evidence is asked to contact the Mount Hope Police Department at 316-661-2213.
The allegations against Urich are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.