Suspect taken into custody following SE Kansas pursuit

It all started Friday morning when police were told a man was trying to get into a helicopter at Neosho Regional Medical Center in Chanute.

A police chase followed. During the pursuit, which reached speeds in excess of 95 mph, the suspect’s vehicle went off the road and turned down an agricultural lane near Chanute in Neosho County and got stuck in a fence row.

The suspect was able to free the vehicle and proceeded to turn the vehicle around and drove it at pursuing officers. One of the officers discharged his weapon at the vehicle.

The suspect made it back out on the road and officers resumed the chase. The Kansas Highway Patrol, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Humboldt Police Department assisted. The suspect vehicle was later found abandoned. A short time later, a Chevy Camaro was reported stolen. It was later recovered.

The suspect was located in a disposal shed next to an oil tank battery. He barricaded himself inside and a short standoff ensued. After a short period, officers were able to take him into custody.

It ended with the arrest of 48-year-old Justin Daniel Wessel of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The officer who fired the weapon and officers present at that time have been assigned to administrative duty pending outcome of a review.

Reports will be forwarded to the Allen and Neosho county attorneys’ offices for review to make charging decisions.