ELLINWOOD — Clayton J. Martin of Ellinwood was arrested for outstanding municipal warrants following a chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies Tuesday night.

According to the Ellinwood Police Department, at approximately 7:03 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, an Ellinwood Police officer attempted to stop a 2002 Ford Escape for a traffic violation. 

The driver, identified as Martin, refused to stop and fled eastbound from the city on U.S. 56. Martin turned north on NE 130 Ave. and continued to drive on various dirt roads to try and elude the officer. 

The pursuit continued into Rice County where the vehicle turned north from the intersection of 1st Ave and 10th Road. Police report that Martin intentionally drove the vehicle down into a field, got out and fled on foot. The Ellinwood officer gave chase and was able to apprehend Martin approximately 100 yards from the vehicle.

Martin was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on one Ellinwood Municipal Court traffic warrant for failure to appear and one Great Bend Municipal Court warrant. According to the EPD, he also faces charges of fleeing and eluding of law enforcement, along with multiple traffic and driver’s license violations. He was released on Wednesday after posting a $303.50 cash bond and a $250 surety bond on the warrants.

The Rice County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Lyons Police Department and Barton County Sheriff’s Office each assisted in the pursuit.

This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ellinwood Police Department by calling 620-564-3001.