THOMAS COUNTY — A 19-year-old man is in the Thomas County jail on suspicion of various drug allegations after a high-speed chase on Thursday evening across western Kansas.

Just after 4:45 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol attempted to stop an eastbound Ford Focus traveling 90 mph in Thomas County.

As the trooper approached the vehicle, it took off, according to KHP Trooper Tod Hileman.

The vehicle took the K Road exit 62 and immediately returned to the Interstate. The vehicle eventually took exit 76 toward Sharon Springs and traveled westbound on Old Highway 40.

After the vehicle avoided one set of stop sticks, Wallace County Undersheriff Marshall Unruh was able to successfully deploy stop sticks that damaged two of the Ford’s tires.

The vehicle continued 3 miles into a field and through two fences, according to Unruh.

Officers arrested Austen Funke, 19, Loveland, Ohio, on suspicion of speeding, failure to maintain proper lane of traffic, unsafe passing, fleeing and attempt to allude law enforcement, DUI-drugs, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Warden Mike Hopper assisted with the chase and arrest.