SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on traffic and drug charges after a Tuesday morning chase.
Just after 4 a.m., a Shawnee County Sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop with a White Pontiac Grand Prix near NW 46th & Rochester Road in Topeka for a traffic violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.
The driver of the Grand Prix identified as 42-year-old Jeremy L. Rhoads of Topeka failed to stop for the deputy and a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle continued northbound on Rochester and turned east on NW 50th. The vehicle continued east at a high rate of speed. The pursuit continued north on Topeka boulevard before the Grand Prix turned into a neighborhood in the 5700 block of N. Topeka Boulevard.
The driver fled the vehicle and let it roll into a tree. The deputy arrested Rhoads. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
Rhoads was transported to the Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections where he was booked for requested charges of, Speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiate, opium, narcotic, and certain stimulant, and additional traffic violations. Rhoads has 18 previous convictions for drugs, theft, burglary and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.