Warrant remains for pursuit suspect

NEWKIRK — A warrant remains issued for Aleksandr Kirichenko, 32, New Orleans, La. by the Kay County District Court.

Kirichenko was charged on July 23, 2019 with felony counts of endangering others while eluding police; Possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Kay County deputy Jon Stieber reports that on March 24, 2019, he located a vehicle with Alabama plates that was reportedly involved with a road rage incident near mile marker 196 on Interstate 35.

Stieber attempted to pull over the vehicle. He reports the driver later identified as Kirchenko slowed to 14 miles per hour before accelerating. A pursuit ensued in which the suspect reportedly traveled in the middle of the Interstate forcing some vehicles off on to the shoulder with speeds reaching 116 miles per hour.

Steiber reports the suspect nearly rear ended one motorist and nearly collided with many others. At mile marker 225 the pursuit reportedly encountered a semi pulling two-trailers. The big rig was forced to pull over to the shoulder.

The pursuit encountered two more semis at mile markers 231 and 232, passing them at speeds over 100mph before crossing into Kansas where Sumner County deputies took over. The suspect reportedly traveled through the toll booths at 90 miles per hour.

Kansas Highway Patrol reportedly stopped the vehicle at mile 35 and Kirichenko was arrested.

The vehicle was reportedly stolen out of New Orleans. A stolen firearm was reportedly  located in the vehicle by KHP troopers. Authorities report he had felony convictions in New York. A warrant with bond endorsed at $5,000 remains active in Kay County.