TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO PURSUIT AND ARREST-- Press Release from Thomas County Sheriff's Office

PRESS RELEASE FROM THOMAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AS POSTED ON THOMAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FACEBOOK PAGE:

"On Saturday, August 22, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a deputy with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a passenger vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 70 near mile marker 41.

During the traffic stop, the deputy determined that the male driver did not have a valid driver’s license. It was also discovered that both the driver and female passenger were wanted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

As the deputy attempted to take the male driver into custody, he fled on foot, running south across both lanes of Interstate 70 and into a nearby pasture. The deputy pursued the male subject and, with assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol, was able to take him into custody approximately one mile south of the original traffic stop.

During the pursuit, the female passenger entered the driver’s seat of the vehicle and fled the scene. While fleeing, she collided with another vehicle and crashed. A passing motorist stopped and picked up the female suspect from the scene.

Law enforcement officers have not yet located the female suspect and are continuing efforts to locate her.

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Kansas Highway Patrol and Colby Communications for their assistance during this incident. We also would like to thank The Goodland Police Department and the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office in their efforts to assist us.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the female suspect is encouraged to contact the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law"