Galena, Kansas Patrol Officer Nabs Reckless Driving Suspect Parolee

At approximately 3:50 am Saturday a Galena Patrol Officer was stationary observing traffic on 7th street from the Pizza Hut lot. The Officer observed a Black Sedan traveling in opposite lane of traffic. The Officer activated his lights and siren to initiate a stop. The vehicle briefly pulled into a lot striking a sign before fleeing.

The Officer pursued the vehicle eastbound into Missouri on 7th street then the vehicle cut through the median and went back west into Galena. The vehicle eventually crashed into an above ground Kansas Gas Service Pipe in the area of 11th and wood. The impact caused a major gas leak and some residents had to evacuate their homes.

Both occupants of the suspect vehicle were taken into custody by the Galena Officer with assistance from Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputies.

The Driver and Passenger were evaluated by EMS. While the Galena Officer was checked for gas exposure. No serious injuries were reported.

Galena Fire and Kansas Gas service responded immediately and secured the gas leak, ensuring the safety of nearby residents.

The driver, identified as Keontre Guster, was found to have no valid drivers license and is currently on parole. He was booked into the Cherokee County jail on the following charges:

-Aggravated Fleeing
-Aggravated Criminal Damage
-Interference with Law Enforcement
-Criminal Trespass
-Reckless Driving
-No valid Drivers License

Galena Police Department would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office, Galena Fire, Kansas Gas Service and EMS for their rapid response and coordination in managing this early morning emergency.

The suspects in this case are innocent until proving guilty in a court of law.

-Chief Chad Allison, interim Chief of the Galena police Department in Galena, Kansas.