BARTON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following a high-speed chase.

Just after 12:45 a.m. Thursday, a deputy attempted to stop a 2000 Chevy Silverado with an expired registration in the 400 Block of SE. 80^th Avenue in Barton County, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The driver later identified Tanner Guyton, 19, Great Bend, fled from the officer.  It was later determined the vehicle was stolen, according Belinder.  Speeds during the chase exceeded 100 mph and deputies pursued the vehicle for 23 miles in rural Barton County.  The truck then entered the City of Great Bend.

Officers attempted to deploy stop sticks but the suspects evaded them.

Near the intersection of 18^th and Kansas Street in Great Bend, the suspect then intentionally rammed deputy Lomas’s patrol car. The vehicle sustained heavy damage and was out of service, the deputy was not injured.

The suspect vehicle continued to flee, reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph in the city. Fortunately, traffic was light at that time of the morning and and there was little danger to the public.

Because of the complete disregard for public safety and striking the deputy’s patrol car, the sheriff authorized the use of lawful intervention by another patrol car to strike the suspect vehicle if possible, to bring it to stop.

The chase continued to the 1500 block of 11^th St. in Great Bend where Deputy Sheriff Richard Allen had the opportunity to strike the rear of the suspect vehicle with his patrol car putting it into a spin.

The truck went into the front yard and struck a tree. Several officers arrived seconds after the stop and arrested the three occupants including Guyton, who was charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer for striking the deputy’s vehicle, felony flee and elude, felony obstruction, possession of stolen property and numerous other traffic violations.

The passengers were identified as Esteban Foster, 20, and Jericho Riddle, 18, both of Great Bend. Riddle and Foster were both charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony obstruction. Bond for all three suspects is set at $100,000 each. No law enforcement officers or suspects were injured during the chase or arrest.