Kansas teen dies after shoplifting suspects crash into car

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (KSNW) – A Kansas teen has died at a Tulsa hospital after the car she was in was struck by suspects fleeing from a shoplifting incident that began in Oklahoma.

A man and woman have been charged in Kansas in connection with the chase that authorities say began in Owasso, Oklahoma. It began around 4 p.m. on Thursday when the Owasso police responded to the report of shoplifting at a retail store.

Owasso police say one of their officers attempted to stop the suspects, but ended up being struck and dragged by them as they fled in a Jeep. A pursuit began on U.S. 169 Highway first southbound, and then northbound.

Troopers from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol soon joined the Owasso police in the pursuit. Owasso police say several pit maneuver attempts were unsuccessful.

The chase continued through Collinsville, Oologah, Talala, Nowata, South Coffeyville, Oklahoma and eventually entered Coffeyville with speeds at times reaching over 100 mph. Once in Kansas, the Kansas Highway Patrol continued the pursuit.

It ended at East 8th Street and Patterson Boulevard in Coffeyville when the suspects crashed into an SUV driven by a 17-year-old Coffeyville teen and her 15-year-old sister. Coffeyville Police Chief Kwin Bromley tells KSN that both teens were transported to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, but the 15-year-old was airlifted to a hospital in Tulsa in critical condition.

The City of Coffeyville says she has since died from her injuries. The Kansas Highway Patrol identifies her as Serafina O’Connell.

The City of Coffeyville is deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving two of our local high school students. We have just learned of the passing of one of these young women, who along with her sister, served our community this summer at the City Pool. This loss, and the pain felt by her family, friends, and all who knew her, is immeasurable. Our hearts and prayers are with the O’Connell family, their loved ones, and all who are grieving during this difficult time.

City of Coffeyville

Tenisha Mayberry, 38, and Cortez Wasson, Jr., 19, both of Blue Springs, Missouri, were treated at the hospital for minor injuries and then booked into jail on multiple charges related to the chase and crash in Kansas. They made their first appearance in the Montgomery County District Court on Monday.

Mayberry was charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers, two counts of aggravated battery with bodily harm, possession of marijuana, and failing to stop at a marked stop sign. Her bond has been set at $100,000. Court records show she has previous felony convictions related to shoplifting in Johnson County, and her probation ended in February.

Cortez Wasson was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, and failure to wear a seatbelt. His bond has been set at $75,000.

Charges against the two are likely to be amended following the girl’s death. Owasso police say their officer has been treated and released from a local hospital and is recovering.