A suspect is in custody following a police chase in Cherokee County late last week.

 

The Baxter Springs Police Department says the chase began near Galena last Thursday as officers from their department monitored the pursuit by the Galena Police and Joplin Police. The chase soon led authorities into the Baxter Springs area, where officers from that department attempted to stop the vehicle. However, the suspect continued to flee.

 

 Law enforcement temporarily lost the vehicle but then located it abandoned near a wooded area on the east side of Baxter Springs. Officers then used drones and a K-9 officer to search for the suspect on foot. The individual was discovered hiding on the bank of the Spring River. The suspect fled again, running into the woods and then jumping into the river. He finally came out of the water and was placed under arrest.

 

The suspect has been identified as 32-year-old Michael Ashworth. Ashworth is currently being held in the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus. He faces multiple charges including reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, and drug possession.