A 49-year old Ottawa man was arrested after a pursuit yesterday afternoon, Friday, September 23rd. Just before 4:00, Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department identified James Burnett, Jr. in the 1600 block of South Main in Ottawa. Deputies were aware Burnett was wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole absconder warrant, as well as warrants from other jurisdictions. Law enforcement also received intelligence that Burnett was possibly armed with a handgun and threatened to shoot law enforcement before being arrested.
Once positively identified, deputies and officers of the Ottawa Police Department attempted to keep Burnett from leaving the area. Despite law enforcement’s best attempt, Burnett fled south on Main Street out of the Ottawa City Limits. The pursuit continued south on US 59 Highway where spike sticks were utilized to successfully deflate Burnett’s tires.
A request was made to the Kansas Highway Patrol for their Tactical Intervention Vehicle, because of Burnett’s erratic driving. The TVI was successful in stopping the car, where Burnett fled on foot into a corn field. Sheriff’s Office K-9, Duke, was deployed and Burnett surrendered without assistance from Duke.
Burnett was arrested for several charges. The Sheriff’s office is thankful for witnesses of the pursuit who have come forward to help take Burnett into custody. During the pursuit, Burnett swerved at several vehicles. If this happened to you, you’re asked to call (785)242-3800 to provide a statement for further criminal charges.
