JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —After a two-day search, law enforcement captured a stolen vehicle suspect.
Just before 10 p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a caller who observed a pickup truck that had been reported stolen out of St. Mary’s, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.
The caller observed the vehicle in western Jackson County. Jackson County Deputies located the vehicle near N. Road on 158th Road. A pursuit ensued eastbound. The vehicle turned into a driveway of a residence located at 15505 158th Road and crashed through a fence. The vehicle caught fire, deputies and fire crews extinguished the fire as the driver escaped into a thickly wooded area. Deputies and troopers searched the area with K-9s and drones and were not able to locate the suspect.
Just after 10 a.m. Monday, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who reported finding a man wearing a brown Carhartt Jacket with blue jeans in his chicken house. Sheriff’s Office personnel quickly came on scene. Deputies, State Troopers and K.B.I. agents assisted with the search including K-9s, drones and aircraft. As of 2 p.m. today, the subject has not been located.
The Sheriff’s Office identified William Joseph Goetz, 43, of Saint George. Goetz as the suspect and reported he believed that Goetz was without a phone and would access buildings or vehicles to stay warm at night. Deputies continued to canvass the area.
Late Monday afternoon, the suspect allegedly stole a 2005 Ford F-250 pickup truck from a residence on U. Road. The suspect headed south on U. Road and only after 1/8th of a mile rolled the truck and fled again on foot. Law enforcement continued pursuing the suspect southeast to a lake located east of U. Road on 150th. Law enforcement finally apprehended Goetz who was hiding in another pickup truck. Goetz will be booked into the Jackson County Jail for numerous requested charges.