FAIRBURY – A Concordia, Kansas man was arrested early Thursday morning after an alleged kidnapping and high speed chase that started in Fairbury, and lasted more than 40 miles.
Just before 5 a.m. Thursday, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were notified of an intruder in a residence located at the corner of 8th and L St. in Fairbury.
The suspect, identified as Christopher P. Kuhlmann, 35, had active warrants out of Jefferson County for misdemeanor domestic assault, assault by mutual consent, false imprisonment, and child abuse.
He had previously resided in Fairbury, but currently lives in Concordia, KS, according to authorities.
Kuhlmann entered a residence in Fairbury early Thursday, forcibly kidnapping an adult female and forcing her into a vehicle outside the residence.
The exact make of the vehicle isn’t known at this time, but Jefferson County Sheriff Nels Sorenson said it was a “sedan of some sort.”
Deputies arrived on scene as the suspect’s vehicle and victim were leaving the property.
A high-speed pursuit ensued, traveling westbound toward Hebron on U.S. Highway 136. Speeds reached 115 mph before the vehicle went south bound on U.S. Highway 81 into Kansas.
Upon reaching Belleville, the suspect vehicle spun out at an intersection, and deputies were able to disable the vehicle. Kuhlmann was taken into custody and charged with kidnapping, burglary, felony flight to avoid arrest and terroristic threats.
The female victim was unharmed when contacted by authorities.
Jefferson County was assisted by the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office and Belleville Police Department.
This matter remains under investigation, and further charges could be filed.
This is a developing story. We’ll have more details as we get them.
