Update: Police Pursuit ends in Butler

Thomas Meade

On 2/11/19, at approximately 2035 hrs, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office was notified in reference to the Kansas State Highway Patrol in pursuit of a vehicle that was headed toward Bates County. Deputies began to work toward the state line. Shortly after, the Deputies were notified that the pursuit had entered into Bates County and the KSHP had terminated the pursuit. A Deputy that had responded toward the area observed the vehicle pass him on 52 Hwy headed toward Butler. The Deputy turned around and attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle continued toward Butler at speeds over 100 mph. Deputies asked for assistance from anyone that was in the area to attempt to set up spikes prior to the pursuit entering Butler.

A Rich Hill Officer that was in the Butler area responded to the overpass of I49. As the pursuit came toward Butler the driver attempted to gain access to I49 by traveling northbound on the southbound exit ramp heading toward oncoming traffic. The Rich Hill Officer, made a split second decision and pulled around the vehicle putting his vehicle in front of the pursuit to warn oncoming traffic. Halfway down the off ramp the vehicle struck the rear of the Rich Hill patrol car causing the suspect vehicle to become disabled. There was only minor damage to the patrol vehicle and the Officer was ok. The vehicle was occupied by 4 subjects and all 4 subjects were taken into custody with the help of the Rich Hill Officer, Butler Police Officers and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Sheriff Anderson said, “This is a fine example of teamwork among law enforcement agencies in Bates County. The Rich Hill Officer, placed himself in danger, knowing the devastation that can be caused by a pursuit on the wrong side of the highway if the suspect struck an oncoming vehicle. I appreciate the commitment that all our officers make daily, placing the general public’s safety in front of their own safety.”

Thomas Meade, 7/12/1976 of Marion Illinois and Kansas City Missouri was charged with Possession of a controlled substance. Bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety.

Additional charges and people may be charged when the prosecutor has reviewed the case and lab results are returned.

Courtesy of the Bates County Sheriffs Office