Police chase leads to arrest of local man on drug, traffic charges

A Fort Scott man was charged on Wednesday with numerous counts for reckless driving and drug charges stemming from a police chase last week that ended in the Marmaton River.

Quintin D. Grant, 23, was charged with one count of unlawful acts relating to the sale of cocaine, a severity level three felony, and one count each of possession of marijuana and Alprazolam, a short-acting drug used to treat anxiety disorders. Both charges are misdemeanors. Other charges include one count of obstruction of official duty and no drug tax stamp.

Grant also faces a host of traffic infraction charges stemming from his alleged attempts to evade police. They include fleeing to elude, reckless driving, speeds greater than prudent, failure to stop at a posted stop sign, and no stop lamps and turn signals used when required.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday, a Fort Scott police officer checked the status of Grant's driver's license, according to the police report. It came up suspended.

The officer attempted to make a traffic stop in the 800 block of south Holbrook Street, Grant refused to stop, and a chase ensued, according to a statement released by the police department.

Police allege that Grant led officers on a chase throughout city streets until they reached the northwest section of town, then ditched the 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo near the intersection of west Elm and north Crawford streets near Happy Hollow Road. He allegedly bolted from the car, with police chasing behind him on foot.

From there, police said, Grant then went down an embankment that led to the Marmaton River, where an officer apprehended him.

Another person was in the vehicle but was released without being arrested, according to the statement.

No one was believed to have been injured during the incident.

Police officials said officers seized eight grams of cocaine and 10 grams of marijuana at the scene of the arrest. The amounts of the drugs and packaging found at the scene led to the intent to sell charge.

Grant was released at 4 p.m. Wednesday, the same day of his first appearance, on $30,000 bond.