On July 16th, deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue motorcycle occupied by a single male rider wearing a helmet. The rider refused to stop, initiating a pursuit.During the pursuit, the motorcycle traveled southbound on I-49 through the construction zone, where the rider passed multiple vehicles by driving on the shoulder of the roadway. Near the 101-mile marker, deputies observed the rider throw what appeared to be a handgun into the median.
The pursuit continued onto E Highway and several county roads, reaching speeds in excess of 100 MPH before entering Cedar County, Missouri. The pursuit came to an end when the rider crashed the motorcycle at a dead-end road in Cedar County. After the crash, the rider fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later by Vernon County deputies.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and investigated the crash. The rider was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. After receiving medical treatment, he was released and booked into the Vernon County Jail on an active Vernon County warrant for Assault in the Third Degree and a Parole Violation warrant.
Deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by an officer from the Nevada Police Department, later located and recovered a loaded black handgun from the median near the 101-mile marker where it had been discarded during the pursuit.
Additional criminal charges will be submitted to the Vernon County Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect’s identity will be released after the formal charges have been filed.
Sheriff Buehler stated, “This incident is another reminder of how quickly a routine traffic stop can become a dangerous situation. Reckless decisions like fleeing at high speeds, especially through a construction zone while armed, put innocent motorists, first responders, and our deputies at serious risk. I’m extremely proud of the professionalism and teamwork displayed by everyone involved. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our deputies and our partner agencies, a dangerous individual was safely taken into custody without any innocent people being injured.”
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Nevada Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Vernon County Ambulance District for their assistance during this incident.
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