Russell County Sheriff
On May 4th, 2026, at approximately 8:44 A.M., Russell County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of 197th and Old Highway 40 for a report of a person that stole a vehicle from a residence. The vehicle was described as an older model maroon Chevy extended cab pickup that was rusted and dented. Russell County Deputies were responding to the area when the stolen pickup was westbound on Interstate 70 from the 193rd Exit.
Russell County Deputies, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers, Kansas Highway Patrol Aircraft, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Russell Police Department responded to the area, and found that the pickup exited Interstate 70 at the 189th exit and was traveling west on I-70 road. In the area between 186th and 187th on I-70 road, the vehicle traveled north into a plowed field, through the KDOT fence, and crossed all lanes of Interstate 70 before crashing into a creek. The driver fled the scene. A thorough search of the area could not locate the suspect. It is alleged that the driver of the stolen pickup went to a nearby residence, where a gold Pontiac passenger car was stolen.
A description of the gold Pontiac was sent to area Law Enforcement. A short time later, the gold Pontiac was located unoccupied on Interstate 70 in Trego County. Law Enforcement in Trego County conducted a thorough search of the area and apprehended 27-year-old Morgan Shaffer from Tulsa Oklahoma.
Shaffer was assessed by EMS and transported to Hays Medical Center for minor injuries. Shaffer was released from Hays Medical Center and transported to the Russell County Jail by a Russell County Deputy.
The Russell County Sheriff’s Office will be forwarding the following requested charges to the Russell County Attorney: Felony Theft, Felony Criminal Damage to Property, Burglary, Criminal in Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Driving While Suspended, and Reckless Driving.
The Russell County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Russell Police Department, the Trego County Law Enforcement and EMS, and Hays Medical Center for their assistance.
No further information will be released at this time.
Andrew L. Van Der Wege
Russell County Sheriff