Car crashes early Friday after pair of police chases in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -Two people were taken into custody after a pair of police chases ended with a car crash early Friday in central Topeka.

The crash was reported around 5 a.m. Friday near S.W. 17th and Mulvane.

The car appeared to have crashed into a tree and light pole on the north side of the Washburn University campus.

Multiple Topeka police units were at the scene and along nearby blocks to the west of the crash scene.

Topeka police officials said the first pursuit started shortly before 4:30 a.m. when officers attempted to stop a vehicle for reckless driving near S.W. 9th and Parkview, just east of Gage Park in west Topeka.

The driver of the car failed to pull over and initiated a police chase that was discontinued because of excessive speeds.

A short time later, officers located the vehicle -- described as a black Inifiniti -- near S.E. 6th and Golden Avenue in East Topeka.

Police attempted to make another traffic stop but the driver again took off, initiating a second pursuit, which ended when the driver lost control of the car near S.W. 17th and Washburn Avenue and crashed into a tree and a light pole on the south side of S.W. 17th just west of Washburn Avenue.

The driver, identified as Alejandro R. Rodriguez, 23, of Topeka, got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was located by officers and arrested.

Rodriguez was taken to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning before being booked into the Shawnee County Jail in connection with driving under the influence; aggravated assault of a Law Enforcement Officer; fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer; fleeing and attempting to avoid a tire deflation device; reckless driving; racing on highways; defective muffler; transporting an open container of liquor; driving while license was suspended; speeding, interference with a law enforcement officer; and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Police officials said a passenger, identified as Julian A. Galicia, 22, of Topeka, was determined to have an arrest warrant. Police said Galicia was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Jail on that warrant.

No injuries were reported.

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