A motorist from Russell led law enforcement officers on a chase through Great Bend Thursday night, driving with his lights off. Trenton Berens, age 34, was eventually arrested.
Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir reports it began when a deputy with the BCSO attempted to stop a 1992 Oldsmobile in the 1500 block of Morphy St., around 10:30 p.m. The vehicle had been observed speeding and running stop signs.
“When the deputy activated their emergency equipment, the vehicle shut off its headlights and attempted to flee from the officer. Near the intersection of 18th and Hubbard, a deputy sheriff attempted to stop the vehicle by means of legal intervention; the vehicle spun out but was able to regain control and continued to flee. At least two more attempts at lawful invention were made without success. The vehicle was reaching speeds in excess of 70 miles an hour, blacked out, never leaving the city of Great Bend.”
Those listening to scanner reports heard the pursuit move throughout Great Bend. The car was near Walnut Bowl on Washington St. at one point and was also on Broadway Ave.
“Sheriff’s deputies were authorized to use whatever force necessary to stop the vehicle due to the danger to the public,” the report continues. “The driver zigzagged across the city of Great Bend several times and at one point nearly struck the Great Bend Police officer who was attempting to deploy stop sticks. Again, near the intersection of 18th and Baker, lawful intervention was attempted by a deputy and the vehicle again spun out, this time losing the right rear tire, wheel, and hub assembly. Despite only having three wheels on the vehicle, it continued to flee southbound on Kansas Street and attempted to get back on Main Street at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Main. The driver struck a fire hydrant at that intersection, causing the vehicle to roll one time into a building on the west side of Main Street. The driver (Berens) was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Great Bend Fire and EMS were called to evaluate the suspect, and it was found he had no serious injuries.”
Bellendir said that during the chase, the car went through numerous yards, striking stop signs and property.
At the scene, BCSO K-9 Rem alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle.
Berens was charged with felony flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault (non-LEO), driving while suspended, numerous charges of criminal damage to property, as well as approximately 14 other traffic violations. Berens also had an outstanding warrant from Russell County for violation of a stalking order.
Bellendir added, “Berens has previous history of fleeing from law enforcement officers and given the disregard for the safety of others, the Barton County Attorney was contacted, and the Sheriff’s Office requested a higher bond be set. A District Court Judge authorized a bond in the amount of $250,000.”
At least two Barton County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars received moderate damage during the pursuit. The Sheriff’s office was assisted by the Great Bend Police Department as well as Great Bend fire and EMS.
