Police Chase Ends in Death for Abilene Man
Police Chase Ends in Death for Abilene Man Save Email Print
Posted: 10:40 PM Oct 2, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:40 PM Oct 2, 2008
 Reporter: 13 News
34 comments
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A police chase in Dickinson County left an Abilene man dead Wednesday night. .

The Kansas Highway Patrol says Abilene Police tried to pull over a Ford F-150 pickup driven by Derrick Breeden. They say Breeden sped off east on 21st street, then turned south on Brady street, where he increased his speed.

Troopers say he lost control of his vehicle near 13th and Brady and hit a building off the road.

They say he was not wearing a seat belt.
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Posted by: addie Location: salina kansas on Dec 9, 2008 at 03:47 AM
i knew him wen i was younger i lived in abilene i hung out wit him sometimes i remeber him i had the hugest crush on him i like him alot i found out he died today n im shocked poor guy could never catch a break i remeber we went ta school together n had the same classes it horrible im so mad at him he was such a fun person i cant believe it dammit derrick rest in peace~~~ Sorry to the famly ur in ma prayers
Posted by: Grandma Betty Location: Texas on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I would like to thank all of you for your comments. I know Derrick was loved by all of you> I know he is in peace now and doesnt have to worry about his home life .I now hope he rest in peace. I will always love him
Posted by: Sunny Location: Fort Collins on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:58 PM
I want to say I am truely sadden by Derricks death. He was my brother's son, someone I never got to know. I wish I had, life is just to short to hold grudges, and not get to know your family. I wish I had a chance to get to know him. It's a shame that someone so young life can be taken so quickly. Now he's in heave, and I know Larry welcomed him home. God bless everyone.
Posted by: Aunt Sandy Location: Aurora Colorado on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Ok it's the day after the funeral and I feel so lost without all the wonderful people at the funeral by my side. There was so much support there, so many people loved Derrick and it showed. I finally met Samantha and her Mom- oh wonder Derrick fell in love with her-she's a beautiful person inside and out-I only wish they were still together! Jocelyn-thank you so much for your support! I truly met a wonderful lady that I will be close with forever! Our trip back to Colorado was sad leaving a place where Derrick once was but now we can hold all the memories and that will include the funeral! I love all of you and will keep in touch!!!!!!
Posted by: Samantha Location: Wichita ks on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Betty, Sandy, And both steve's. I love you guys and Will always keep you in my heart. Derrick talked about you guys all the time. I loved that kid with everything i had. I hope everything stays well for you guys. I LOVE YOU ALL AND DERRICK!!!! I miss you.
Posted by: grandma betty Location: texas on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I agree with the last comments that were made and i would like veryone today is the service for my grandson I am unable to attend the doctor will not let me I do have family and friends going for me My daughter is there and Steve who also tried to help derrick and when derrick was living with him he was doing wonderful and i want to thank steve for caring and i love him for that also his sons and jocelyn was super she was always there for derrick any time day or night and sam will be there to be with family sam was his first love and that will never be forgotten and we all love her. I would love if you all will let him rest in peace and think about all the good in this world we all need a chance thank you grandma betty
Posted by: Aunt Sandy Location: Aurora Colorado on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:15 PM
I agree with Jocelyn---let's all come together and support each other no matter what. Derrick is gone now and if this can be a lesson for someone else then let it be one because everyone deserves a chance at life and to have happiness. When you have a child, you don't just give up on them. That child needs your guideness all through life not just as a baby. This boy not only lost his father but also lost his mother who turned her back on him. I am not trying to make up excuses for him but he was trying to make it on his own in this crazy life. The real Derrick was a beautiful, loving, caring, happy, funny boy. I just wish the system would of let Steve take over so Derrick was living in Denver. Steve and his boys took that boy in from the get go and loved him dearly but the system had Derrick and no one could do anything about it! Now he's gone, and all we can do is support each other and let Derrick RIP.
Posted by: Jocelyn Location: Abilene on Oct 7, 2008 at 07:03 PM
David I don't hate you, I am just saying that there are alot of factors that you don't know about. And sometimes, all a person needs to say is that it was an unfortunate incident that this young man choose. The papers don't neccessarily print everything, especially with any on going investigation. I took the time, because I knew Derek, to check on what had occured and what is going on. My dad was an drank alot to. But this young man was surrounded by parents that didn't care for his future. This country has a real epidemic on it's hands. We have numerous children who are throw away kids, and it is up to us as a community to attempt to solve this problem. There's no hate, just grief, and sadness. No one is using you as a scapegoat, just look at your community, and you will see the same thing. What do we as a society do? And yes we are our brothers keepers. Let's come together and try to fiquire out how we can intervene, how we can change things.
Posted by: David Location: Junction City on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Well, let's have everyone jump on the "attack David" bus. Come on board. Anyone else want to hate me? Feel free. If it will make you feel better, go ahead. As for the comment about hoping that I treat my kids well and listen to them--well, I would if I had any. I'm only 24 and engaged, but I've been on my own since I was 17. You guys out there don't know half of the hell that I've been through. I wasn't judging the guy that passed away. I was merely sharing what the news had stated. BUT if it will make all of you feel better to vent your anger or sadness right now on me, that's fine. I can take it. My old man was an alcoholic and used to beat me literally every day until I ran away from it all. Rest assured that one day when I do have kids I will love them like there is no tomorrow. Ok, now I'll go back to being the scapegoat.
Posted by: Jocelyn Location: Abilene on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Betty, Mark, Steve, And Sandy that stupid comment on Dereks's family was not geared for you. Each and everyone of you knew Derek, and loved him. And for that Derek was truly blessed to have you all in his life. I just wish that other people could have seen Derek as the special person that he was. I know he loved all of you guys very much, because he talked about all of you. I am sorry for your loss, and hope that you find peace. As for David, I know that Derek was picked up at his house by someone driving a truck and then went to get gas. The truck was reported stolen at 11:14PM and the truck was spotted at 11:28pm. Who picked him up is still being investigated, and they are still looking for that person. So until you know the facts, besides what you read, make the phone calls, and spend the time wanting to know what happened, because you care about Derek, freeze your fingers, and let your brain cells work
Posted by: Jocelyn Location: abilene on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:13 PM
For David in Junction City. Your kids are lucking that they have someone who cares for them. Some people don't have that. Some kids are tossed to the curb. Maybe you should think before you speak, or in this case type. You don't know what you are talking about. You don't know all the details, I have spent the last 5 days, making phone calls, and putting pieces together, because I loved and cared about this young man. The sad thing is I also spent many nights talking to him, when he couldn't sleep. I know what he wanted, and what he was searching for. Just remember that when you don't think you have time to sit and talk with your kids. Not saying what he did was right or wrong at this point because it doesn't matter. I just know that I will always look at his pictures and know that my heart hurts for him. That I can't make this go away. But I will forever have a space for him in my heart, and that is where I will always hold him.
Posted by: Jocelyn Location: Abilene, KS on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Hey David are you a Christian? Are you ready to cast the first stone. Let only those who have not sinned cast that stone. I don't remember reading in bible where one sin is worse than the other, with exception to deny Christ, and I know Derek Believed in God and Christ. You don't know the boy, you have no idea what went on in his life. When a young person acts out like this he /or she is looking for someone to pay attention to them. Now unless your stupid and that calius you should be able to fiquire that out. Derek was living in my house for quite a while because he had a stupid family, i hope that you are not that cruel to your children.
Posted by: Samantha Location: Wichita ks on Oct 5, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Betty. Will you be comeing down for the funeral? I would like to get in contact with you and see how you are doing. my email is missmamfa@hotmail.com. Hope to see you at the funeral. has there been any times made
Posted by: grandma Location: texas on Oct 5, 2008 at 04:28 PM
ok everybody I just heard maybe my grandson didnt steal the truck but he was driving the truck so dont judge him until the investgation is over ALSO SMANATHA I LOVE AND MISS YOU AND I KNOW YOU ARE AT DEEP LOSS hope to see you some day and like she said derick was very loving and I would like for all of you to respecst the family and hopes nothing like this evers happen to you .
Posted by: Sandy Location: Aurora Colorado on Oct 5, 2008 at 01:56 AM
David David David.......it looks like we all agree STOP because one day this could happen to you or someone close to you--Just remember LIFE IS TOO SHORT to be negative. Have a heart!!!!
Posted by: Samantha Location: Wichita, ks on Oct 4, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Why dont you all back off. This Kid was a very loving young man who happend to even save my life when we had got in a car wreck a few years ago. He was freaking terrified of some trouble he may have been in. Yeah he shouldnt have stolen the truck but im sure half of you in his situation would have already been tore to pieces. So before you start judging him why dont you look back at all of your hard times, His was proubly 20 times yalls will ever be. I dont care who the hell you are. Back off and leave him alone. Know one deserves to die like that. He was a very sweet and nice guy would do anything for anybody and loved everyone. Ill always love and miss him. And grandma in texas Ill never forget you either!!!!
Posted by: grandma betty Location: texas on Oct 4, 2008 at 08:09 PM
David I lost my son and now I lost my grandchild I am so sad so please if you cant say anything good dont say anything and yes he stole a truck I am sorry for that but there is no reason he should be down graded I love my granson with all my heart and hope other kids his age will learn from this i love you derrick
Posted by: mesa dude Location: kansas on Oct 4, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Hey David, would you please stop being so harsh. Yeah, the kid did something wrong but he was HUMAN. Romans 3:23 says "for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." I am no better than anyone and David that includes you too. That young kid deserves to be remembered with love...and don't we all deserve that? May the God of peace and hope put His arms around that boys family and friends.
Posted by: Mark Location: Tejas on Oct 4, 2008 at 12:03 AM
David....im glad you can read. the facts are...we do not know his state of mind when he stole the truck and ran from the cops. but really for you that seems to be the big deal. while the rest of us are just sad to lose a family member, friend, or whatever he was to us. oh yeah I truley do mean who cares about him stealing the truck. that doesnt make a bit of a difference when you look at the outcome.
Posted by: Sandy Location: Aurora Colorado on Oct 3, 2008 at 09:05 PM
I can't stop thinking about you Derrick! The only thing I think about is you and wish this would of never happened. It's so sad and we will never be able to replace you! I will miss you and I know everyone who knew you-will miss you as well. I know you are with my Brother-your dad now and that's the only thing that keeps me going. I just want to cry---- I miss you!! Love Aunt Sandy
Posted by: david Location: junction city on Oct 3, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Brooke--the Friday edition of the Abilene Reflector Chronicle states that the truck was reported stolen at about 11:15 PM, and then the terrible accident happened around 11:30 PM. For the people that say "who cares if the truck was stolen"--well, I can see where they're coming from as far as how things ended. BUT it does matter when people steal from other people--whatever it might be. It's wrong and a minor offense that can sadly lead to worse things. I agree it's a shame that this young man died Wednesday night. It does make me sad to think that a bad choice on his part has now left his family and friends without his love in the future. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Posted by: Mark Location: Texas on Oct 3, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Who cares about the stolen truck or if he was running from the cops. the fact is that a family has lost a grandson, son, brother, nephew, cousin, etc.
Posted by: logan Location: Topeka on Oct 3, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Sandy, my condolences to your family, as for the rest of you, (except david and mthrof2) you are all idiots. You have no comprehension of police policy, nor the need for said policies. This is solely the fault of the driver, not the police, he chose to run, the officers didnt make him run, they didnt have a gun to his head! It seems the people of Kansas have a block on their shoulders when it comes to our law enforcement. you need to remember these officers are your neighbors, friends, and family. Support them too!
Posted by: mthrof2 Location: Topeka on Oct 3, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Does it really matter why he stole the truck, or why the police do chases???? This is a tragic story of a young boy that lost his life, and why does the public take it upon themselves to pick things apart and ask the what if's? That should be up to this young mans family to do.....if they choose to! My heart goes out to this young mans family. May God be with you in your time of need!
Posted by: sarah Location: kansas on Oct 3, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Why did he take the truck? He could have called someone for a ride. Crime does not pay.
Posted by: John Location: the land of OZ on Oct 3, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Why was it that he was running from the police? I hear something about a stolen truck? Sometimes police can't always get a license plate at the start of a pursuit they have to get close enough to read it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 3, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I thought that once certain speeds were reached the cops under kansas law had to back off to prevent these accidents from happening, what happened to that?
Posted by: travis Location: topeka on Oct 3, 2008 at 11:34 AM
the cops engage in police pursuits mostly because it is fun. in my opinion only the offenders who have committed a very violent crime should be chased.
Posted by: Sandy Location: Aurora Colorado on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I agree he shouldn't have stolen the truck but unless you know his situation and maybe he wasn't in the right state of mind! Sorry but no one deserves to die in a police chase first of all! Just my thoughts on a beautiful person who had more life than that! Now he will be with his Father in peace! Love Aunt Sandy
Posted by: david Location: junction city on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:31 AM
There are police chases because if the criminal flees and is not caught a.s.a.p. then there is a window of time for them to commit another crime and potentially hurt/kill another person intentionally. It is sad that this young man died this way, but he was not forced into breaking the law. He did it on his own free will. The scary thing was that I had just left Abilene on east Old 40 a few minutes before Mr. Breeden went through there-running the stop sign. My car could have been t-boned, and I might have been killed too. Should my family blame the police in that situation? No--it would have been the fault of the reckless individual that hit my vehicle.
Posted by: brooke Location: topeka on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:25 AM
david where does it say that he stole a truck?
Posted by: grandma Location: texas on Oct 3, 2008 at 08:13 AM
i love you derrick and my heart goes out to all the family may you rest in peace
Posted by: Mary Location: Topeka on Oct 3, 2008 at 05:27 AM
I do not understand why there are police chases!!! Why don't the police just get the license plate number & arrest the person later, when everything is calmed down. They might save alot of innocent lives & destruction that way.
Posted by: david Location: junction city on Oct 3, 2008 at 03:01 AM
yeah it's too bad, but he never should have stolen that guy's truck in the first place.
Posted by: Sandy Location: Aurora Colorado on Oct 2, 2008 at 10:50 PM
My heart goes out to my nephew Derrick- may you rest in peace now! I will never forget you! Love your Aunt Sandy