A Wichita man led Reno County Sheriff’s deputies in a pursuit that progressed into a standoff on Sept. 11.
According to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, at 8 a.m. deputies attempted to stop a maroon 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe that was displaying a stolen tag out of Wichita in the area of 4th Street and Highway K61. The vehicle immediately fled and initiated a pursuit.
It exited K61 and traveled westbound on Avenue A.
Deputies were authorized to perform a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) to prevent the pursuit from going towards Hutchinson Middle School-7. TVI succeeded in the area of Avenue and Pershing Street, keeping the pursuit from reaching the school zone.
The vehicle continued to flee through yards, alleyways and sidewalks before crashing into the backyard of 1207 E. Ave. B.
The driver initiated a short standoff when he refused to comply with deputies and Hutchinson Police Department officers.
Chemical munitions and other less lethal options were used to subdue and take the driver, Robbie Lee Miller, 54, into custody.
Miller was booked into the Reno County Correction Facility on numerous charges including, felony flee and elude and two counts of felony inference. Miller was also charged with several drug crimes such as possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of paraphernalia. Additionally, he was booked for criminal damage to property, possession of stolen property, reckless driving, driving while suspended, illegal display and no insurance.
“We like to thank the Hutchinson Police Department and Reno County EMS for their assistance,” said the sheriff’s office in a press release.
The sheriff’s office added that no one has not yet been convicted of a crime and is presumed innocent. The presumption of innocence shall continue until such time that the person accused may be found guilty in a court of law. Charges may be amended at the at the discretion of the District Attorney and the courts.