Leading up to this event, the estranged father allegedly stole a 2006 dark blue, extended cab, Toyota Tacoma pick up. This is the vehicle the estranged father used to take the children from the mother’s residence. A message was issued to Missouri law enforcement, along with a local “text caster” alert.
The Missouri Highway Patrol made contact with the stolen Toyota truck north of Springfield on Highway 13.
The estranged father fled into Springfield, Missouri, and was eventually taken into custody by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
The children were located near the truck and were unharmed.
*** From the Greene County Sheriffs Office***
Earlier today, Greene County Deputies were made aware that the Missouri State Highway Patrol was in pursuit of suspect involved in an order of protection violation and parental kidnapping which occurred in St. Clair County. It was presumed that all three abducted children were inside the vehicle with the suspect. A Greene County Deputy joined the Trooper in a brief pursuit which was terminated in northern Springfield due to hazardous traffic conditions.
A short time later, GC Deputies located the suspect vehicle on West Kearney near Fulbright. The suspect failed to stop for deputies who continued to pursue him while a nearby MSHP aircraft responded to the area to track the suspect from the air.
The suspect abandoned the vehicle, off road in the area of Kansas Exp. and Bennett St and fled on foot with the children. The suspect was quickly apprehended by deputies and all of the children were recovered unharmed.
The suspect was transported to Greene County Jail where he was booked in on several felony charges. For additional information regarding the parental kidnapping incident, please contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.
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