NOVEMBER 11, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE #19-1111
CONTACT: SHERIFF TIM MORSE @ 785-364-2251
Michael Francis Dorsch
ONE IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING PURSUIT WITH STOLEN VEHICLE
One man is in custody in the Jackson County Jail stemming from two pursuits in two counties. At approximately 1 am the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office had terminated a pursuit near 86th and Topeka Blvd. It was indicated that the suspect(s) were allegedly involved in vehicle burglaries in Shawnee County. Shortly thereafter, a Shawnee County deputy observed the suspect vehicle northbound on S. Road from the county line in Jackson County. A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle wrecked, but still running in the ditch just north of 102nd and S. Road with no one around. The vehicle, a 2002 Toyota Camry had been reported stolen out of Silver Lake, Kansas. While deputies were on scene at approximately 2 am a dark colored 2017 Volkswagen passenger car approached the area. Deputies believed the vehicle was in the area to pick up the driver of the Camry. A pursuit ensued westbound on 102nd Road. The vehicle allegedly failed to stop at stop signs at US Hwy 75 and continued westbound. The suspect vehicle headed north on P.4 Road and lost control due to excessive speeds and icy conditions and rolled. Two passengers in the vehicle were evaluated at area hospitals. It was determined the 2017 Volkswagen had been reported stolen out of Lawrence, and the tag on the vehicle was stolen from a residence in Shawnee County. The driver, Michael Francis Dorsch, 34, of Horton was arrested. Dorsch is being booked into the Jackson County Jail on a series of charges: Felony possession of stolen property, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, interference with law enforcement, 2 counts of aggravated battery and fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer. Bond on Dorsch is pending at this time. Dorsch is known to Jackson County law enforcement from a variety of pursuits and manhunts throughout the years. The incident(s) remain under investigation.