MEDIA RELEASE – DUI, Flee & Elude Arrest

February 3, 2023
Released by Maj. B. Henderson

PITTSBURG, KANSAS –

On Thursday night, February 2, 2023, at approximately 9:25 PM, a law enforcement officer from the Pittsburg Police Department was dispatched to the 1900 block of N. Locust St., in Pittsburg, regarding a report of a hit-and-run accident. Upon arrival, the officer met with the reporting party, who advised the collision had just occurred, and that they believed the offending vehicle, described as a white Ford pickup, had also struck another vehicle just down the street from them. The first officer requested a second unit be sent to their location to assist with locating any additional damaged vehicles. Officers located a second vehicle that had been struck in the 1600 block of N. Locust St. by the white Ford pickup, which also fled the scene after the collision.

While on scene, an officer located the offending Ford pickup still traveling in the area of the second collision. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the pickup in the 100 block of E. 16th St., however the driver of the pickup refused to pull over and then started to flee from the officer. A vehicle pursuit then ensued with the Ford pickup, which headed north and east from the 1600 block of N. Locust St.

While fleeing from the officers, the driver of the Ford pickup struck fences on four different residential properties, a garage, and then an electric pole in an alley before wrecking out and coming to a stop in the south alleyway of the 200 block of E. 22nd St. The collision to the electric pole caused four houses in that area to lose power.

The driver of the Ford pickup, later identified as 39-year-old Travis R. Duncan, of Pittsburg, was taken into custody without further incident. Mr. Duncan appeared to be extremely intoxicated at the time, and a blood draw was subsequently collected for evidence. Additionally, the Ford pickup Mr. Duncan was driving at the time had been reported stolen from Pittsburg.

The pickup was towed from the scene.

Mr. Duncan was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. Mr. Duncan was arrested for felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony interference with law enforcement, felony attempt to flee or elude law enforcement, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

Mr. Duncan is currently being held without bond.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other incidents, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700, or at our tip line, 620-231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

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