SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a 5 day search.
On March 15, a 37-year-old Salina woman went to the Salina Police Department lobby to report that her ex-boyfriend, Joshua Barrett, 33, of Salina, had taken her white 1999 GMC Yukon. She told police that she had parked the vehicle in the 500 block of Charles in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that
The woman told police that when she went to retrieve the SUV, Barrett pulled her out of the vehicle by her hair and also took her cell phone.
Just before 6am. March 16, police were sent to the 2300 block of Edward Street in regard to a domestic disturbance with the same woman and Barrett, according to Forrester. Barrett was reported to have left on foot carrying a hatchet.
Officers located the stolen Yukon leaving the area at a high rate of speed. The Yukon had a tag that was registered to a 1991 Chevrolet pickup.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle on East Magnolia Road, but it continued east and officer initiated a pursuit in the 2400 block of South Simpson Road. Speeds reached approximately 90 mph and the officer discontinued the pursuit due to road conditions.
Later that morning, Saline County Sheriff's deputies were sent to South Woodward Road and East Farrelly Road -- southeast of Salina -- as the Yukon was reportedly hidden in a tree row at that location.
Deputies saw Barrett in the driver’s seat and as they approached, he drove away and was able to elude law enforcement personnel as the road conditions were poor due to recent rains.
Just before 6:30a.m. Saturday, police were sent to the 2300 block of Edward for the report of Barrett lying on the back porch of a residence, according to Forrester,
Officers took Barrett into custody. He had the key to the Yukon in his possession. He is being held on requested charges that include Aggravated robbery, Felony theft, Domestic violence battery, Misdemeanor flee and elude, Felony flee and elude, Reckless driving, Felony interference with law enforcement, Speeding making an improper turn and two counts of illegal display of tag.