Teen Wrecks in Finnup Park| Passenger in Critical Condition

On December 27, 2021, at around 8:50 P.M., Officers of the Garden City Police Department were dispatched to 301 S. 4th Street (Finnup Park) for an injury accident involving a vehicle striking a tree.

When officers arrived, they located a Kia Optima with extensive front-end damage near Fansler Field. The investigation revealed that the driver, Francisco Lara, Jr. (15), Ulysses, KS, was traveling west through Finnup Park and attempted to navigate a curve but was unable to make the turn. The Optima struck the curb before hitting a tree. Witnesses said they observed Lara driving at a high rate of speed.

There were three passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident. All four occupants were taken to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment, with one of the occupants later being flown to a Wichita hospital due to the extent of their injuries.

Lara was cited for reckless driving and exhibition of speed and later released to his parents.