Hutchinson woman killed in crash involving stolen vehicle, two suspects arrested

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – October 29 update: Kansas Highway Patrol crash logs identified Mandy Buckwalter as the woman killed in Monday’s crash.

Wichita police arrested a 24-year-old woman Monday after a crash in east Wichita that killed a 43-year-old Hutchinson woman.

Capt. Aaron Moses of the Wichita Police Department said the incident began Monday morning when officers found a stolen vehicle in the parking lot at the Riverwalk Apartments.

Moses said officers followed the stolen vehicle in an unmarked vehicle and the suspects didn’t seem to notice. The Kansas Highway Patrol was called to assist with its mobile air unit.

Around noon, officers spotted the stolen vehicle stopped at Walmart at 29th and Rock Road. They installed spike strips that deflated two tires, but the vehicle fled, hitting a police vehicle.

Moses said officers did not pursue the stolen vehicle, but KHP tracked it from above. The suspects drove to a business on North Webb Road, where they ran from the stolen vehicle.

Officers arrested a man while a female suspect stole another vehicle from the business and fled south on Webb Road, then west on 29th Street.

Moses said the stolen van then struck a sedan at 29th and Wilderness. A 43-year-old woman was in the car, who died at the scene.

The 24-year-old female suspect was taken to hospital for examination and arrested after being released from hospital.

Anyone with information about the incident who has not spoken to investigators should contact AFU detectives at 316-350-3686. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.