ACPD Responds to Several Calls During Holiday Week

During the days leading up to and on Independence Day, the Arkansas City Police Department responded to 24 fireworks-related calls. No citations were issued by the department concerning fireworks calls. However, officers were busy with other calls for service.

On July 3, 2023, at 10:08 p.m., Arkansas City police officers were dispatched to the area of 3rd Street & Kansas Avenue for a vehicle accident.

It was reported that a white truck had struck another vehicle and then left the scene. It was initially reported that the driver was possibly impaired.

While on the way to the accident, officers located a vehicle matching the suspect description. Officers attempted a traffic stop after confirming driving behaviors that led the officer to believe that the driver was impaired.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the truck, but the driver refused to yield, and a vehicle pursuit occurred. The suspect vehicle eventually stopped at the 7th Street & Birch Avenue intersection.

The driver was identified as Daniela Lousia Avalos, age 19, of Caldwell, Kan. Avalos was suspected of being under the influence and submitted to DUI testing. She was arrested and taken to the Cowley County Jail on a $8,300 bond for failing to report an accident, DUI 1st, consumption of alcohol by a minor, fleeing and eluding, and interference with a law enforcement officer.

On July 4, 2023, at 11:53 p.m., Arkansas City Police Officers were dispatched to Casey's General Store at 601 S. Summit St. in Arkansas City for a physical disturbance.

While enroute to the call, it was learned that several of the subjects involved left the scene in a vehicle. Officers were also advised that one of the subjects was armed with a handgun.

A Cowley County Sheriff's Office deputy located the vehicle in the 200 block of W. Harrison Avenue. A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Jesse Cortez Manuel Tovar, age 22, of Arkansas City, was found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun.

During the investigation, officers learned that during the altercation, Tovar had allegedly pointed the handgun at several people before leaving the scene.

After speaking to witnesses and watching surveillance video, Tovar was arrested for three counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm while under the influence. Tovar was taken to the Cowley County Jail and held on a $62,500 bond.

A court of law determines a suspect's guilt or innocence.

If you have questions or concerns about this or any ACPD press releases, please contact Police Chief Eric Burr at (620) 441-6601 or email him at eburr@arkcity.org.