Salina Police clarify pursuit policy after motorcyclist injured in crash ends pursuit

WICHITA, Kansas (KWCH) – A motorcyclist is in critical condition after a weekend crash that ended a police chase in Salina.

The incident attracted widespread attention on social media and caused many people to question the police's prosecution policies.

“One person posted that police chased a man to his death,” said Salinas Police Captain Mike Miller. “The person was not dead. Of course, we can't control Facebook. We can't control what gets posted there.”

Miller said a motorcycle chase is very different from one in a car.

“Because if they don't stop, they're going to stop in another way, and that usually won't end well,” he said.

Miller said most of the tactics Salina police use to stop fleeing vehicles are not used on motorcycles.

“We never attempt to set up roadblocks, ram or perform a pit maneuver,” he said. “We don't do that. We also don't use our nail barriers in motorcycle chases simply because the rider could get injured.”

Although the chase lasted about 19 seconds, Miller said the driver will likely suffer for the rest of his life.

“We were only 19 seconds into the chase when he crashed,” he said. “People run for reasons. They don't just run because they're scared.”

Miller said if you see flashing lights behind you, pull over for your safety and the safety of others around you.

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