EMPORIA, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas man was charged with first-degree murder and more than 25 other counts after a fatal collision occurred while he was trying to flee from police, law enforcement officers said.
Devawn Mitchell, 23, was being held in the Lyon County Detention Center on $1 million bond after his arrest on Thursday. His first court appearance was scheduled for Monday.
Other charges against Mitchell include an alternative count of second-degree murder, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and numerous fleeing and traffic charges.
An affidavit filed by police detective Kevin Shireman said the chase began Thursday when Mitchell swerved at a marked patrol car, forcing the officer to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Officers tracked Mitchell but broke off two pursuits because he was speeding and running stop signs on city streets, the affidavit said.
Eventually, Mitchell rear-ended a pickup truck, which went airborne and hit a power pole, police said. The pickup's driver, Steven Henry, 64, of Emporia, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mitchell was treated at Newman Regional Health and then taken to the Lyon County Detention Center.
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LYON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Thursday in Lyon County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Honda Civic driven by DeVawn T. Mitchell, 23, Emporia, was eastbound on 6th Avenue at Chestnut in the left lane.
The Honda was fleeing law enforcement and rear-ended a 2009 Ford F150 driven by Steven A. Henry, 64, Emporia.
The pickup then struck a power pole and came to rest off the right side of the roadway.
Henry was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberts Blue Barnett funeral home. EMS transported Mitchell to Newman Regional Health Center. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.