MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.
Just after 6p.m. on December 30, sheriff's deputies attempted a traffic stop on a 2025 blue Nissan passenger vehicle near Birch Street and Cement Street in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 47-year-old Cornel Owens of Independence, failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed, initiating a pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 66 mph in a posted 30 mph zone, 83 mph in a 45 mph zone, and 108 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The pursuit continued east on US Highway 160 and north on County Road 4500, where Owens eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed at the intersection of County Roads 4500 and 4600 northeast of Independence.
Deputies apprehended Owens without further incident. A search of Owens' person revealed 32 grams of suspected marijuana, a 9mm handgun, 5 grams of suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other illegal pills.
Additionally, deputies discovered over 9 ounces of suspected methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Owens was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections. He remains jailed on requested charges of Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement; distribution of methamphetamine (100 grams to 1 kilogram); distribution of marijuana; criminal possession of a firearm; distribution of depressants (10 to 100 doses); possession of drug paraphernalia; multiple traffic violations