Chasing Shadows

Posted on Wed Mar 26th, 2025 @ 12:39pm by Sheriff Mike Ward & Colonel Chris Hayes & Deputy Mikal Shepherded & Deputy Olivia & K9 Cheif

2,135 words; about a 11 minute read

Mission: "Spring Revival Festival"
Location: 2 Miles Outside of River city
Timeline: Monday, May 1st, 2028, 11:30am
Tags: Johnathan Walker

Chris stepped out of the mayor's office, his shoulders tense and his jaw clenched with frustration. The familiar scent of stale coffee and worn leather hung in the air, a fitting backdrop to another tedious meeting filled with bureaucratic red tape. He pushed through the heavy glass door, squinting in the bright afternoon sun as he made his way to the parking lot.

With a practiced motion, he opened the door of the Tahoe for Chief, his loyal German Shepherd companion. As Chris slid into the driver's seat, the engine roared to life, and he instinctively reached for the radio mounted on the dashboard.

“1 Sierra 171 to Central, show Supervisor Unit back 10-8,” he called out, his voice steady but tinged with irritation as he placed the radio back in its slot.

“Central copies, 1 Sierra 171, 10-8,” replied Olivia, the dispatcher. She was new—only 21 years old and fresh out of the academy. Chris appreciated her enthusiasm; young blood brought new ideas and approaches that sometimes challenged the status quo at the Sheriff's Department.

As he shifted the Tahoe into reverse, Chris backed out of the lot, opting to take the back streets to avoid the midday traffic and incessant stoplights that clogged the main roads. Just as he was preparing to merge onto Prairie Avenue, a sleek black SUV zipped by him, its speedometer hovering dangerously close to 80 mph in a 40 mph zone. "God damn, that dude is on a mission!" he exclaimed, his instincts kicking in.

Without hesitation, he slammed his foot down on the accelerator, flicked on the emergency lights to Stage 3, and pursued the speeding vehicle. The SUV barreled through an intersection, careening past a red light with complete disregard for traffic laws. Chris surged forward, activating his sirens as he cleared the intersection.

At last, he gained on the vehicle, signaling for it to pull over while simultaneously relaying the details over the radio. “1 Sierra 171, attempting 10-11 on a black Chevy Tahoe, plate number IDA-TOM-394, heading northbound on Interstate 55 towards Putnam County,” he reported, his alertness sharp and focused.

“Central copies,” came Olivia’s voice, steady and professional.

The driver in the Tahoe hesitated for a split second before suddenly veering off to the right into an open field, accelerating dramatically. “Damn it!” Chris shouted, frustration boiling over as he pushed the Tahoe to its limits, the engine roaring in response. “1 Sierra 171 to Central, 10-80 in progress, heading into Putnam County. Request roadblock or spike strip deployment, and I need a plate check, ASAP!”

Chief's ears perked up, sensing Chris's rising tension and the sound of the blaring siren.

Suddenly, Chris heard his partner's voice crackle through the radio. “1 Sierra 189 attaching, ETA two minutes,” Mikal reported, his calm demeanor a reassuring presence.

“Central copies. Putnam County deputies have been alerted. They’re en route to assist when closer,” Olivia assured.

Looking ahead, Chris spotted a marked Ford Explorer speeding toward them—Putnam County's finest were already on the move. The suspect in the Tahoe swerved sharply back onto the road, disregarding any remaining pretense of caution as it sped toward River City.

“Central, Tahoe running 80 toward River City. Three units in pursuit,” Chris called out, feeling adrenaline surge through his veins.

Kicking the Tahoe into four-wheel drive, Chris whipped the vehicle around sharply and rejoined the main road, instinctively taking the lead with Mikal and the Putnam County unit flanking him. Above, he heard the unmistakable sound of a helicopter—Air One was in the air.

“Dude ain't getting away now,” Chris muttered to himself, relief flooding his system as he glanced up.

“Air One to pursuit units, eyes on suspect heading south on Interstate 55,” the helicopter pilot announced, and tension eased slightly with the knowledge that they had aerial support.

As they approached the first intersection, Chris hit his rumbler sirens, cutting through traffic and barreling onward while the other units followed suit.

“Air One to units, suspect has turned off onto a side road and has 10-50ed. Repeat, suspect has 10-50ed and is on foot toward Walmart,” the pilot reported, and Chris felt a rush of determination.

He slammed the accelerator and swerved into the alley, barely noticing the sheer thrill of the chase as he spotted the suspect vaulting over a fence. “171 in pursuit!” he called out, his fingers already tightening around his service weapon as he leapt from the Tahoe before it was even parked.

Olivia's voice crackled over the radio, urgent and alarming, “Warning to units, suspect is Jonathan Walker. He has a warrant out for his arrest from Jackson County, wanted for murder, and may be armed. Approach with caution.”

“171 copies,” Chris replied, vaulting the fence in a single bound. He dashed toward the Walmart, heart pounding in his chest as his instincts honed in on the fleeing figure. Damn, he’s trying to run for something.

Suddenly, chaos erupted. Chris's heart stopped as he saw the suspect spin around, brandishing a 9mm handgun. The unmistakable sound of gunfire—pop pop pop—filled the air.

“10-1! 10-1! Shots fired at the police! Need backup now!” Chris yelled into his radio as he swiftly unholstered his weapon and fired four rounds at the suspect, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

Chris noticed the suspect’s desperate attempt to carjack a nearby vehicle. He charged forward, adrenaline surging, when suddenly the sound of gunfire erupted again, narrowly missing him. Fortunately, two other deputies along with the Sheriff's truck entered the scene, providing covering fire.

With a steady aim, Chris squeezed the trigger, sending four rounds center mass. The suspect crumpled to the ground, the struggle ceasing as he fell victim to the confrontation.

“171 to Central, suspect down. Roll an ambulance to the Walmart lot,” Chris said, breathing heavily as he approached the incapacitated man, kicking the firearm away from reach.

Sheriff Ward stepped out of his truck, taking in the scene with an incredulous expression. “Damn, Chris, it seems you had all the action today,” he admitted, a mix of admiration and concern in his voice.

Chris offered a wry smirk, trying to lighten the mood despite the chaos. “Well Sheriff, I'm just doing my job.”

Mikal rushed over, equipped with a medical bag, and began administering simple first aid while Chris quickly cuffed the suspect.

“It seems our friend here is wanted for murder out of Jackson County,” Mikal informed the group, glancing at the suspect with a mix of disgust and disbelief.

“Yeah, thought he was going to get away. Tried to stop him; went 80 in a 40 back there on South View Road. Just got out of a meeting with the mayor,” Chris explained, shaking his head.

“Did the meeting go as planned? Fix your taxes?” Mikal inquired, applying a small gauze to the suspect’s wounds.

“Mayor said, and I quote, ‘Will look into it,’ and I don't think she will. But whatever, let them try to hit me for not paying taxes. I pay them every year; everything was going smoothly until this new mayor came to town,” Chris replied, his annoyance creeping back in.

“Ain't gonna argue there,” Mikal replied, a knowing look passing between them as they surveyed the aftermath of the day's events.

As Chris secured the handcuffs around Jonathan Walker's wrists, he took a moment to scan the chaotic scene. The Walmart parking lot was a blend of confusion and urgency, with bystanders peering from a distance, their expressions a mixture of shock and curiosity. Sirens wailed in the background, the sounds blending into a symphony of chaos, but he focused on the task at hand.

“171 to Central, ambulance en route?” he confirmed as he monitored the surroundings.

“Affirmative, 171. Ambulance is five minutes out. 10-3 on the radio traffic until they arrive,” Olivia replied. Her voice remained calm and collected despite the adrenaline-fueled chaos that had unfolded.

Chris adjusted his grip on his firearm, ensuring the situation remained under control while Mikal continued to assess the suspect. The two deputies who had arrived as backup stood watch, weapons drawn, ready to respond if Walker made any sudden moves.

Moments later, the faint wail of sirens grew louder, signaling the approach of the ambulance. Chris glanced over to see the bright red and white vehicle navigating through the parking lot, its lights flashing rhythmically. The paramedics jumped out, adrenaline matching the urgency in the air.

As the medics hurried toward them, one of them—a tall man with a prominent tattoo of a paramedic's caduceus on his forearm—immediately assessed the situation. He took in the sight of Chris, Mikal, and the incapacitated suspect. “What do we have?” he asked, his tone professional and steady.

“Suspect is Jonathan Walker, wanted for murder in Jackson County,” Chris relayed quickly, gesturing toward the suspect laying on the ground. “He’s been shot but still responsive. Keep an eye on him; he’s dangerous.”

“Copy that,” the medic responded, moving with impeccable teamwork. He and his partner swiftly set up a portable stretcher. Mikal stepped back, allowing them space while keeping his weapon trained on Walker.

“Stay still and don’t make any sudden moves,” Mikal warned, his eyes intently fixed on the handcuffed man. Walker grunted in pain as the medics assessed his wounds, their gloved hands moving quickly and efficiently as they prepared to administer first aid.

“Any allergies or medical conditions we should know about?” one of the medics asked, glancing at Chris for details.

Chris shook his head. “Not that I know of. Just be careful; he might be armed and dangerous.”

As they stabilized Walker, the sound of another set of sirens echoed from the distance—a patrol car from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. A marked unit pulled up with a flashing blue and red light, and Sheriff Ward waved them over. “Get a couple of units down here for a perimeter. We don’t want anyone getting too close until we process this scene,” he instructed.

With the area secured, more deputies arrived and formed a line along the parking lot, focusing on keeping the curious crowd at bay. A few bystanders whispered among themselves, phones in hand to capture the scene unfolding before them.

“Where’s the second suspect?” one of the arriving deputies asked, scanning for any potential accomplices.

“There’s no second suspect,” Chris replied, shaking his head while pointing toward Walker, who was being loaded onto the stretcher. “Just him.”

Once Walker was secured on the stretcher, the paramedics began to roll him toward the ambulance, but Chris stepped aside to let them pass. “You’ll need to get him stabilized before he goes anywhere,” Chris advised, keeping a close eye on the suspect as he was maneuvered into the vehicle.

“Got it,” one of the medics replied, securing an oxygen mask over Walker's face as he began to mumble incoherently, his bravado faltering as the adrenaline wore off.

As they wheeled Walker into the back of the ambulance, Chris exchanged glances with Mikal, both of them sharing unspoken acknowledgment of the insanity they had just witnessed.

“Central, please inform Jackson County Sheriff's Office that we have Walker in custody but he’s been shot and is being transported to Mercy Hospital. They can coordinate a pickup,” Chris relayed, feeling a sense of closure wash over him as he finalized the communication.

“Copy that, 171,” Olivia responded, her voice steady.

Just then, as the ambulance doors closed, Sheriff Ward approached. “Nice work out there, Chris. You kept your cool, and that’s what counts. That guy could have posed a real threat,” he remarked, appreciation evident in his tone.

“Thanks, Sheriff. Just doing what needed to be done,” Chris replied, his heart still racing from the rush of the chase and the tension of the confrontation.

As the ambulance left the scene, sirens blaring and lights flashing, Chris took a deep breath, letting the adrenaline gradually ebb from his system. He turned back to Mikal, who was still running through the details in his mind.

“Next time, let’s hope for less immediate danger and more paperwork, huh?” Mikal joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

Chris chuckled softly. “Yeah, I could use a boring day at the office for a change.” The two paused, gazing at the remnants of chaos they had just navigated through, the thrill of the chase gradually replaced by the relief of having done their jobs and protected their community.

With the scene now under control and backup units processing the area, Chris felt a sense of satisfaction. He knew the department would be busy for a while longer, but for now, the immediate threat was neutralized, and the pursuit had ended without further escalation. Still, as he glanced at Mikal, he couldn't help but think that tomorrow would surely bring a new challenge.

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