Driver arrested after police chase that ended in Blue Springs with crash that killed passenger

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - A Johnson County, Kan., man died Sunday night when the car he was riding in crashed after a police chase, police said.

According to a statement from the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, the driver of the vehicle involved, an unidentified 29-year-old Blue Springs man, fled police in Lake Tapawingo when they tried to pull him over for careless driving.

A Lake Tapawingo officer initiated a chase, but the driver took off east on US 40 Highway into Blue Springs, losing control near SW 19th Street, according to the statement. The Mercury Sable ran off the road and hit a utility pole.

The driver ran away from the crash, but was caught moments later by police who had arrived on scene, authorities said.

The passenger of the vehicle, identified only as a 29-year-old man from Overland Park, Kan., was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not been publicly identified pending notification of family members.

The driver remained in custody of the Blue Springs Police Department, with criminal charges expected Monday or Tuesday, the statement from police said.