RENO COUNTY —A Kansas felon is back in custody after a chase in Reno County.
Just before 3:30 p.m. Monday, agents with the Department of Corrections Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigation (EAI) Task Force located a wanted subject, James M. Smith, 36, of Hutchinson, near 11th Ave and Severance Street, according to a media release.
Before they were able to make contact, Smith left the area in a vehicle and fled from officers with Hutchinson Police Department. Officers did not pursue Smith at that time due to Smith’s history of fleeing from law enforcement.
Smith was later located walking near 12th Ave and Milcon Street. Smith was armed with a handgun and fled from officers on foot. Kansas Highway Patrol located Smith after he got back in his vehicle and fled the area. A pursuit ensued at that time.
At approximately 3:48 p.m., Smith ran a stop sign at 4th Ave and Maple Street striking another vehicle that was occupied by one person. Smith fled on foot, and while doing so fired a shot from his handgun. It is believed that Smith was not firing the handgun at pursuing officers. Smith was taken into custody a short time later. During this incident, one citizen suffered minor injuries from the crash caused by Smith. No officers were injured.
Kansas Highway Patrol is the lead agency on the crash investigation and Hutchinson Police Department is the lead agency on the criminal investigation. Smith was arrested on requested chartes of Felony Flee and Elude, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Aggravated Battery, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and Three Felony Warrants.
Smith is being held with no bond at this time. He has previous convictions for drugs and Flee or elude LEO with five or more moving violations, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections