As the vehicle was approaching the location of the Clinton Officers, it was observed to be weaving in and out of traffic and traveling at a high rate of speed. As the suspect vehicle was passing, Stop Sticks were deployed, and an officer sustained minor injuries from the deployment. The suspect evaded law enforcement and left the city limits.
At approximately 1200 pm, Clinton Officers were notified by Central Dispatch that the suspect vehicle had been found near Sedalia, MO and was now being pursued by Pettis County and Henry County and heading toward Clinton. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle attempted to hit other patrol vehicles.
Clinton Officers staged at Missouri 52 Highway and Vansant Road with Stop Sticks, prepared to stop the vehicle. As the suspect vehicle was approaching the city limits of Clinton, the vehicle began swerving between vehicles and into the oncoming lane. The suspect vehicle turned onto a gravel road, which was known to be a private drive.
Clinton Officers, along with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office began pursuing the vehicle, which was now traveling across a field and later stopped near a creek. The suspect, identified as Dylan Offutt of Phillipsburg, MO, was apprehended without further incident. It was later determined the vehicle was stolen from Laclede County. Offutt was charged with multiple offenses and was incarcerated at the Henry County Jail.
The Clinton Police Department would like to thank the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Pettis County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their efforts in this incident.
