The man arrested Monday after leading law enforcement on a chase made an initial court appearance on the new charges.

36-year-old Joshua Watkins faces charges of driving while suspended, felony flee and elude, aggravated assault on Law Enforcement Officer, theft under $1,000., criminal damage to property under $1,000, a probation violation and failure to appear.

In court he asked for a reduction of his bond, which according to the court was set at 9-thousand, 750-dollars, however he has been on probation, so total bonds add up to 55-thousand according to the jail log.

It started around 2:30 p-m, Monday when Reno County Sheriff Deputies started working a case of shoplifting at Heartland Outdoor Store in South Hutchinson. It then turned into a chase.

The female with Watkins, Jessie Cox was arrested by South Hutch Police for two warrants for failing to appear. Watkins fled in a Dodge Durango and a chase ensued with Sheriff officers that lasted about 5-7 minutes. It ended just east of Arlington with the vehicle abandoned in a field and Watkins allegedly fleeing on foot. Sheriff Officers, Wildlife and Parks Officers and Community Corrections surrounded the area.

A K-9 unit from Hutchinson Correctional Facility was summoned because during the chase Watkins attempted to hit a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper head on.

A Highway Patrol plane also did fly-overs and spotted some movement and Watkins was located hiding under an evergreen tree.

He should be back in court next Wednesday, once the state files formal charges. He has been on community corrections for drugs in a case going back to last year.