Kansas Felon Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities in Kansas are currently investigating a notorious felon, Steven Drake, on new allegations following a high-speed chase that took place in North Douglas County. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday, when police attempted to stop a Chevrolet pickup truck that had been observed speeding near E. 1600 Road and Highway 24, according to a media release.

Steven Drake, a 48-year-old individual with a history of violent pursuits, initially complied with the police’s attempt to stop him. However, without warning, Drake suddenly accelerated his truck, prompting a pursuit. This behavior is consistent with his previous encounters with law enforcement, where he has shown a tendency to engage in reckless and dangerous driving.

During the chase, deputies employed a tactical-vehicle-intervention maneuver in an effort to safely apprehend Drake. Although the maneuver initially appeared successful, Drake managed to regain control of his vehicle and continued eastbound on the highway.

As deputies continued their pursuit and sought to positively identify the driver, Drake intentionally rammed into a patrol vehicle. This forceful impact caused his truck to veer off the road and crash into a ditch, resulting in the wheel breaking off at the axle.

Despite the damage sustained by his vehicle, deputies swiftly took Drake into custody without any reported injuries. Subsequently, Drake was booked into the Douglas County jail, facing charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.

This is not the first time Steven Drake has found himself on the wrong side of the law. In fact, just a month prior, in June 2022, local authorities had issued a public appeal for assistance in locating Drake after he engaged in two separate vehicle pursuits within a span of a week.

Drake’s criminal record reveals a history of felony convictions, including forgery, assault, theft, aggravated endangering a child, obstruction, aggravated interference with parental control, driving while suspended, and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, as reported by the Kansas Department of Corrections.