Russell Man Arrested Following Pursuit in Barton, Rush Counties

On May 11 at about 9:45 AM, a Barton County Sheriff's Office Detective came in contact with a vehicle and driver that were wanted for outstanding felony warrants and fleeing from at least two other local law enforcement agencies.

According to a press release from Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, a 2002 Honda Civic was located near the intersection of Northwest 50th Road and Northwest 10th Avenue. The vehicle was northbound. The detective attempted to stop the vehicle, at which time, it attempted to flee.

The suspect continued northbound in mostly rural areas of northwestern Barton County and into Rush County. The pursuit continued for 37 miles. During the last few miles of the pursuit, the Civic blew a tire but continued to flee. During the chase, the suspect reached speeds of over 120 miles per hour. The vehicle entered a pasture several miles northwest of Bison. The driver, the only occupant, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. He was quickly captured by several officers who had been in pursuit. It was at this time that officers discovered the suspect was in possession of methamphetamine.

The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Trenton Berens of Russell. Berens was transported to the Barton County Jail after his capture without incident. He was booked for two warrants, one fail to appear with no bond from Barton County District Court, a felony attempt to flee and elude warrant from Reno County District Court with a $9,000 bond, interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as numerous other traffic violations.

The Barton County Sheriff's Office was assisted by deputies from the Rush County Sheriff's Office and the Russell County Sheriff's Office and the Hoisington Police Department.

(Information and photo courtesy Barton County Sheriff's Office.)