Man arrested in southeast Kansas after police pursuit

A police chase took place in and around Baxter Springs on Thursday.

It happened in Cherokee County after police tried to stop a pickup truck in Baxter Springs.

The driver fled, eventually leaving the vehicle.

A police dog and a drone were used in the multi-agency chase.

Agencies taking part included the Baxter Springs Police Department, Galena Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Joplin Police Department and the Quapaw Nation Marshal’s Service.

32-year-old MIchael Joseph Ashworth was found hiding near the river and even tried to swim away.

He was arrested on charges of fleeing/eluding, reckless driving, use/possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiates/opium/narcotic drugs, possession of certain hallucinogenic drugs.

He also had warrants out of the state of Missouri.

Ashworth is being held without bond in the Cherokee County Jail.