The vehicle continued northbound on U.S. Highway 169 at speeds exceeding 100 mph. As it approached 151st Street, the vehicle entered Interstate 35 and reached nearly 120 mph, turning its headlights off. At the time of the pursuit, the weather was clear, and traffic was minimal.
At approximately 75th Street and Interstate 35, the Lenexa Police Department successfully deployed tire deflation devices, which deflated at least one tire and caused the vehicle to come to a safe stop near 67th Street and Interstate 35.
Once stopped, four occupants fled on foot, while one remained at the vehicle. Deputies from the Miami County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Lenexa Police Department, Merriam Police Department, Olathe Police Department, and Prairie Village Police Department conducted a search of the area and were able to locate two of the fleeing occupants.
Abraham Angel Moreno Ponce was located and transported to a local area hospital for treatment. Jelmel Noyola Fernandez was taken into custody by Miami County deputies and booked into the Miami County Jail. Stephen Michael Sallaz exited the vehicle but complied with commands and remained at the vehicle. The remaining two occupants have not yet been located.
A search of the vehicle and the three individuals located resulted in the discovery of firearms, illegal narcotics, alcohol, tobacco products, and drug paraphernalia.
The following charges have been submitted to the Miami County Attorney’s Office:
Jelmel Noyola Fernandez, 18, of Olathe, Kansas
• K.S.A. 21-5706 – Possession of Marijuana
• K.S.A. 21-5709 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• K.S.A. 21-5904 – Interference with Law Enforcement
• K.S.A. 41-0727 – Consumption of Liquor by a Minor
• K.S.A. 79-3321 – Possession of Tobacco by a Minor
Abraham Angel Moreno Ponce, 19, of Olathe, Kansas
• K.S.A. 21-5904 – Interference with Law Enforcement
• K.S.A. 41-0727 – Consumption of Liquor by a Minor
Stephen Michael Sallaz, 18, of Olathe, Kansas
• K.S.A. 41-0727 – Consumption of Liquor by a Minor
This investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be submitted, and the remaining suspects are still being sought.
The Miami County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Lenexa Police Department, City of Merriam Police Department, Olathe Police Department, and Prairie Village Police Department for their assistance during this incident.
