Kansas Senate GOP leader booked into jail, released, on allegations of DUI, fleeing officer
Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was released after he was booked into the Shawnee County Jail early Tuesday, accused of driving under the influence, attempting to flee or evade a law enforcement officer, speeding and improperly crossing a divided highway.
The Wichita Republican was booked at 3:55 a.m. but released from custody after a court hearing Tuesday morning.
Shawnee County Judge Penny Moylan said she did not find probable cause to support Suellentrop’s arrest because of “failure to include pertinent information” in the arrest report.
Moylan did not provide details regarding the missing information.
Suellentrop was arrested by the Capitol Police on Interstate 70 near Eighth Street in Topeka, Kansas Highway Patrol spokeswoman Candice Breshears said in an email.
Breshears said Suellentrop was arrested after a White SUV was spotted driving in the wrong direction on I-70 and led an officer on a “short pursuit” before stopping near Eighth street.
Capitol Police suspect that Suellentrop was the driver, Breshears said.
The agency is forwarding the arrest report to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.
The Kansas Highway Patrol Records department said no portion of the incident report would be available for “several weeks.” The first page of an incident report is public record in Kansas even during an active investigation.
Suellentrop and Senate President Ty Masterson confirmed the Majority Leader had been arrested but could not provide any comment or details Tuesday morning.
Suellentrop has served in the Legislature since 2009 and became the majority leader following the November election.
This story was originally published March 16, 2021 at 8:44 AM.
