(KAIR)--The first case in Leavenworth County using a new state law that increases the penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thomson, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly last year signed the increase into law, making the crime a level seven person felony.
Thompson worked to pass the legislation, and last week put it to work in a Leavenworth County District Court courtroom.
That’s when 51-year-old Raheem Armstead was convicted of both aggravated battery and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
The crimes he was convicted of happened in July, 2021 when a Leavenworth Police Officer spotted a suspicious vehicle driven by Armstead coming from what the release calls “a known drug house.”
Armstead, the release says, “engaged in reckless driving and law enforcement tried to pull the vehicle over.” Instead, Armstead fled, causing multiple vehicle accidents before trying to flee on foot after crashing the vehicle he was driving.
No one involved in the Armstead-caused crashes received more than minor injuries.
Thompson, in the release, says the harm that occurred in the case is the reason he fought for increased punishment for fleeing from officers.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
St. Joseph Mo man killed in KS crash
Sunday evening kitchen fires battled in Atchison; one injured
Atchison man arrested following pursuit
Packed hearing Thurs for Atchison Co Lake's future
Hiawatha USD 415 Supt. announces retirement
Woman arrested after Holton search warrant
Officer bitten during Atchison arrest
Pottawatomie Co Sheriff's Office K9 dies
City Commission approves removal of breed-specific dog ban
New Jeff Co North leadership hired
Local judge among 15 seeking Supreme Court vacancy
Longtme Falls City business owner dies
"Highly anticipated" blackout plates coming to KS
New Brown Co Special Education director hired
Falls City Council takes action on vacant properties
County Commission approves bid for new landfill building
Atchison Walmart robbery sparks suspect search
LATEST STORIES
Richardson County Board receives department updates
Atchison Walmart robbery sparks suspect search
No Summer Hunger Program begins June 2
Jackson Co voters to face special question in November
Click It or Ticket campaign begins May 18
Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for Robinson
Pawnee City School Board meets