GC Police arrest two on weapon and drug charges

Garden City, KS(westernkansasnews.com) On Friday October 27 at 2:15 p.m. Officers of the Garden City Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white 2004 Lincoln for multiple traffic violations in the 600 block of N 9th St. The vehicle failed to yield to police, and a pursuit was initiated.

As officers continued to attempt to stop the vehicle the suspect ran the stop sign at 12th and Fulton St. and struck a blue Dodge that was traveling East on Fulton St. The suspect continued to flee. Near 8th and St. John St the suspect vehicle began to smoke and became disabled. The suspect turned into the parking lot at 400 N 8th St. and exited the vehicle while it was still in motion. The vehicle continued to travel through the parking lot and struck an unoccupied parked Honda Pilot.

A foot pursuit was initiated south through the parking lot. The suspect ran into the Legends Beauty Salon (109 W Grant Ave) where he was arrested after a brief struggle.
The female passenger in the vehicle, Alexis Valverde (21) 513 Acero Ave, Pueblo Colorado was also arrested at 10th and St. John St. without incident after she fled the vehicle after it struck the parked car. The male suspect was identified as Jake Duran (24) 513 Acero Ave, Pueblo Colorado.

There were no injuries sustained in this incident. Officers conducted a search of the suspect vehicle and located several items of drug paraphernalia and drugs to include methamphetamine; Officers also located a loaded handgun.
Duran was arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail and could face the possible charges of:
Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer (F)
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Fleeing and Eluding
Driving Under the Influence
Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Possession of Opiates

Duran also held a felony warrant from Pueblo Colorado for Possession of a firearm by a felon, assault with a deadly weapon, Possession of a controlled substance, and manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance.

Valverde was arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail and could face the possible charges of:
Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Opiates
Criminal Use of a Weapon.