Barton County vehicle pursuit ends with arrest of Pittsburg man, confiscation of meth

(From the Barton County Sheriff's Office)

On February 5th, 2023 a Deputy with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol when he observed a vehicle approaching his vehicle from the rear at a high rate of speed. 

The Deputy pulled over and allowed the vehicle to pass and then began to follow it. The Deputy observed the vehicle traveling faster than the posted speed limit and attempted to initiate a vehicle stop on the vehicle.

The vehicle failed to yield to the Deputy’s emergency lights and siren and a pursuit was then initiated. The vehicle fled through rural Barton County with speeds reaching over 100mph. A K9 unit was in the area of the pursuit and was able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device in attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle fled until it lost two tires and became immobile in a field entrance.

Our K9 Deputy was able to deploy both of his K9s and utilize them to deter the suspects from running from the vehicle. Fair warning and commands were given that if they ran a K9 would pursue and apprehend them. It was learned at this time, the vehicle had four occupants in the vehicle. All the suspects were detained. 

A search of the vehicle was conducted by a K9 who alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle. The search yielded a pipe with residue and suspected methamphetamine weighing approximately 12.29 grams.

The driver of the vehicle who was identified as Jax Crowe (21) of Pittsburg, Ks was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail. The suspected narcotics will be sent to the lab for testing. Pending lab results, a warrant will be issued at a later date.

On February 6th, 2023 a warrant was issued for Jax Crowe for possession of a controlled substance- Felony D. A bond was set at $100,000 cash/surety.

This is a great example of why K9’s can be a valuable tool to law enforcement. Utilizing a K9, Deputies were able to keep all suspects contained in the vehicle. This reduced the chances of someone being seriously injured or fleeing on foot. Great job Deputies!