The Coffeyville community is still reeling in the aftermath of a high-speed chase that ended at 8th and Patterson Streets on September 26 and claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl.

 

Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker addressed police procedures and responses to the accident. He says Coffeyville Police officers stationed patrol cars in the intersection on 11th Street in an attempt to force the fleeing vehicle out of the city.

 

Brubaker adds that Kansas law does not allow officers to completely block the roadway. As the fleeing vehicle approached the intersection, the driver veered onto the sidewalk to avoid the Coffeyville police cars. He says this allowed the vehicle to continue north on Patterson.

 

Brubaker added that both the City of Coffeyville and area state legislators are attempting to get answers from Oklahoma about their part in pursuit. Brubaker called the incident a devastating tragedy that was caused by the decisions and actions of the suspect in the case.