BUTLER COUNTY, Kansas -- Authorities have released the name of the suspect who shot a 33-year-old Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Monday evening.
It happened near Potwin.
Jason Perez, 35, allegedly fired a shot that injured the deputy. Clara Crosser, 27, was a passenger inside the car. The two were from Gardner, Kansas which is southwest of Kansas City.
The incident started in Sedgwick County when a deputy tried to stop a car driven by Perez for a traffic violation.
The deputy chased the car at high speed into Butler County.
During that chase, the Perez and Crosser's car quit running.
The deputy went to look for them and that's when Perez allegedly opened fire hitting the deputy in the right side and his eye.
"He's probably going to have to go through another surgery. We have no idea on his eyesight at this point," said Sheriff Jeff Easter, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.
As the deputy was rushed to Wichita, police from ten different agencies set up perimeter.
Authorities say the two suspects walked around two farmhouses with weapons in hand.
They headed back, saw police waiting and allegedly opened fire.
"They did turn and fire and did strike one of our marked patrol cars in the drivers door," said Sheriff Kelly Herzet, Butler County Sheriff.
A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper fired hitting Perez in the chest.
Perez was transported by helicopter to Wesley hospital where he is in serious condition.
As for the Sedgwick County Sheriff's deputy, he underwent surgery on his eye.
He is in stable condition at Wesley and could be released soon.
Crosser was arrested and taken to the Butler County Jail. She is facing first degree murder charges.
Police say Perez and Crosser were staying at a hotel in Wichita.
Perez spent time in prison on drug charges.
Crosser had a clean record.
Neither had active warrants, but both now face some very serious charges after the chase and shooting.
