Gene Suellentrop, the Kansas state GOP majority leader, was arrested just before 4:00am and booked into the Shawnee County jail on suspicion of driving under the influence and attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer. Online booking records show that the Wichita Republican also was arrested on suspicion of speeding and crossing a divided highway.
Police said the incident occurred on Interstate 70 near an exit north of downtown and that Suellentrop was traveling in the wrong direction in the westbound lanes of the highway.
Suellentrop is a 68-year-old business owner who served in the House for seven years before being elected to the Senate in 2016. He won re-election last year, and fellow GOP senators chose him as the chamber’s No. 2 leader in December.
A $1,000 bond is listed for the Wichita republican. A spokesperson for Suellentrop confirmed the arrest.