HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A chase through the city resulted in a two vehicle accident that injured several people.
The Reno County Sheriffs Office and Kansas Highway Patrol report that 56-year-old Curtis Cleveland of Hutchinson was fleeing from a sheriffs deputy when he hit a small pick up driven by 26-year-old John Trussell of Hutchinson, at the intersection of Plum and G Avenue. Cleveland’s vehicle continued to Campbell Street before coming to rest in the yard of a residence.
He then tried to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended, and is being held in the Reno County Jail on a $50,000 bond. He’s charged with three counts of aggravated battery, DUI, flee and elude, interference with law enforcement and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Trussell and his passenger, 10-year-old Victor Martinez were both taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. A passenger in Cleveland’s vehicle, 37-year-old Nichole Hasen of Wichita, was treated at the scene and released.
The accident happened just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.
In court Wednesday, he requested a reduction of his bond so that he could go back to work. But, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Davidson opposed that because of the nature of the charges, the injuries to the victims, the fact that he left an injured woman in his vehicle and that he ran from law enforcement. He told the judge that he’s lucky he isn’t facing manslaughter charges. Davidson also informed the court that Cleveland no longer has a job. Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen denied the request for a bond reduction.
He’ll be back in court next Wednesday for a status hearing in the case.