High speed chase gets local man probation

A 19-year-old Fort Scott man was placed on one year probation for leading local law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase last Halloween.

Bourbon County District Court Judge Mark Ward Monday placed Curtis D. Moreland on the probation after he pleaded guilty to felony flee to elude and driving with suspended license.

Ward ruled that if Moreland violates terms of probation, he will be sentenced to six months in jail on the fleeing to elude charge and another six months on the misdemeanor driving with a suspended license count. However, Ward suspended the six-month term on the misdemeanor charge, because he ruled that the two sentences would run concurrent to each other.

Moreland's presentence investigation showed he had no criminal history, and for that reason the investigating court service officer recommended presumptive probation. However, Ward had him pay a $100 fine for driving with a suspended license and $400 lab fees.

On Oct. 31, a Kansas Highway Patrol officer attempted to pull over a gold-colored 1990s model Chevrolet truck on 215th Street. He was allegedly speeding, according to KHP. He sped off and led the trooper on a high speed chase on county roads in northern Bourbon County.

Speeds reached between 80 and 110 miles per hour during portions of the chase, according to radio transmissions between the trooper and a Fort Scott Police dispatcher.

Two Bourbon County Sheriff's Deputies got involved in the chase, with Moreland finally slowing down and stopping on Kansas Highway 31 just off 165 Street. No one was injured in the chase or arrest.