Two arrested after police pursuit in Bates County

On 1/12/2023 at approximately 1900hrs the Bates County Sheriff’s Office was advised that the MSHP was in pursuit of a red van in the rural Butler area. Deputies responded to the area to assist in the pursuit. 

During the pursuit the van left the roadway, drove through a fence and then back onto the road again. Responding deputies were able to catch up to the pursuit on KK Highway.

With permission from the MSHP, deputies successfully deployed the The Grappler system to bring the pursuit to an end prior to anymore property damage or any innocent people getting injured. Two subjects were taken into custody by law enforcement.

“Pursuits have an inherent risk on many levels. People who run from law enforcement don’t care about the welfare of our community. I’ve said this before and will say it again, you will be held accountable and we will continue to bring them to Justice. 

I’m proud that we work well with other agencies to do what we can to protect our community from career criminals like this one”. Says Sheriff Anderson.

Mid America Live received information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol that the driver of this van was identified as Delbert L. Thomas (Butch) age 64 of Butler. 

Mr. Thomas was arrested by the MSHP for the following charges:

1.) Felony Possession of a controlled substance - Methamphetamine 

2.) Felony Resisting by fleeing

3.) Felony Unlawful Possession of a firearm

4.) Possession of drug paraphernalia

5.) Careless and Imprudent Driving

6.) Lane Violation

7.) No front license plate

A passenger in the van was identified as 37 year old Tamara D. Thomas of Butler and she was also arrested. Her charges are listed below:

1.) Felony Possession of a controlled substance - Methamphetamine 

2.) Felony Unlawful Possession of a firearm

3.) Possession of drug paraphernalia

4,) No seat belt 

View arrest reports below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP71/ArrestDetailsAction?TW01REPORTNUMBER=I459711A

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP71/ArrestDetailsAction?TW01REPORTNUMBER=I459705A

Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.