Wichita police: Public’s curiosity dangerous during pursuits

It’s not unusual for the sound of emergency sirens to draw people outside to see what’s going on.

But an incident earlier this month in west Wichita showed the potential danger of that practice, police officials said.

An argument escalated to gunfire at a convenience store in west Wichita shortly before 7 p.m. on Sept. 6. When officers spotted a vehicle that matched a description given by witnesses, a chase began through a residential area near Central and I-235.

“The chase actually circled the neighborhood,” Lt. Todd Ojile said. “People were coming out of their houses to see what was going on.”

On three separate occasions, the driver of the vehicle being pursued fired shots at police officers. None of the officers was hit by the gunfire, but bullets did strike a house in the 800 block of North Hoover. There were two young girls, ages 2 and 5, inside at the time. They escaped injury.

Another bullet hit the light bar atop a patrol car as the fleeing driver climbed out of his vehicle after he wrecked it.

“You never know where their rounds are going to hit, so we are worried about residents’ safety” when they come outside at the sound of sirens, Ojile said.

Capt. Jose Salcido said he understands that curiosity is basic human nature. But people should stifle their curiosity at the sound of sirens, particularly if they hear gunfire as well.

“Any time you have bullets flying around, the best thing to do is stay indoors — and preferably in the basement,” Salcido said.

In the incident, the 28-year-old driver who fired shots at police and a 33-year-old male passenger were arrested in a residential cul-de-sac on suspicion of various crimes following the chase.

People attempting to elude police during a chase often drive in circles through residential areas, police officials said.

“They’re looking for a place to get out and run,” Ojile said.

Where they ditch the car and run is usually not a coincidence, Salcido said.

“They want to bail where they know someone who will be willing to hide them,” Salcido said.

If that’s not an option, he said, they may take more desperate measures.

“If you happen to be on your porch, they could take you as a hostage,” Salcido said.

By staying inside and keeping doors locked during a chase, he said, residents can avoid becoming hostages. Residents should wait to emerge until after the sirens do not sound close or have been off completely for at least 10 minutes, he added.

This story was originally published September 14, 2014 at 12:13 PM with the headline "Wichita police: Public’s curiosity dangerous during pursuits."