Police chase leaves
driver critically hurt

A Hutchinson man suspected of intoxicated driving was seriously injured when his car, being chased by police, hit the roundabout at US-56/77/K-150 near Marion, according to authorities.

A spokesman for the Kansas Highway Patrol said a trooper “attempted to stop a suspected intoxicated driver and vehicle that was being sought by McPherson County.”

“The driver failed to stop, and a brief pursuit ensued,” the spokesman, April M. McCollum, wrote in response to questions. The McPherson County sheriff’s office would not provide information on the incident Tuesday.

At least one highway patrol car and two county sheriff’s vehicles were in pursuit when the car failed to make the turn and crashed at the roundabout, Marion Undersheriff Larry Starkey said.

Caleb Wright, 36, was taken by ambulance to St. Luke Hospital in Marion, Starkey said. He was transferred to Wesley Medical Center, and discharged Tuesday, according to hospital spokesman Dave Stewart.

“Following the completion of the investigation,” McCollum said, “reports will be submitted to the Marion County attorney’s office for charging consideration.”