A weekend traffic stop resulted in a high speed pursuit and a two vehicle accident.  According to Ellis County Undersheriff Bruce Hertel, on October 6th at approximately 12:45 AM, the Hays Police Department was attempting to perform a traffic stop on a White 1998 Ford F150 in the 2600 block of Vine St.  The vehicle was reported to have been involved in a hit & run at the Via Christi Village.

The driver, whom officers later identified as 47 year old Lyle D. Bryant of Kinsley, refused to stop for officers and fled northbound on Vine St.  Bryant traveled onto I-70 heading eastbound, traveling around 90 – 100 mph with officers in pursuit.

By the time the vehicle was in the area of the Toulon exit east of hays, officers confirmed that the pickup had been stolen from Via Christi Village. Authorities also learned the Bryant had reportedly rammed the pickup into the front doors of Love’s Country Store on Vine St. and committed strong armed robbery, which Hertel explained means others were present at the time of the robbery (such as employees) and no weapon was used.  When the officer was attempting to stop Bryant on Vine St, he had just left the scene of the robbery.

The pursuit continued on I-70 until Bryant left the interstate at exit 173, crossed Walker Ave and got back onto the eastbound lanes of I-70.  During this time Ellis County Deputy Garrett Brenning was able to position his patrol car in front of the fleeing suspect.

Bryant, whose pickup was again traveling 90 mph, intentionally rammed the back of the deputy’s car, which Hertel estimates was traveling at about 45 mph. The impact disabled both vehicles. The pickup continued east into the south ditch through a fence, coming to rest in a plowed field where Bryant was taken into custody without further incident.

Bryant was taken to Hays Medical center where he spent the night under observation before being checked into the Ellis County Jail Sunday morning.  Deputy Brenning was treated at the scene by EMS and did not require additional medical attention.

Hertel was not able to comment whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the pursuit, robbery or burglary as those investigations are ongoing.  He did say that the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office was working the pursuit, while the Hays Police Department is investigating the vehicle theft and the robbery of Love’s Country Store.  All cases will forwarded to the Ellis County Attorney’s office for charges to be filed.

Departments involved in the pursuit included the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Hays Police Department, Victoria Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.