Clay County, MO – A late-night police chase along Interstate 35 ended in a crash near the 291 Highway exit Friday after a burglary suspect allegedly fled officers in a stolen vehicle.
According to the Kearney Police Department, officers were first alerted to a home burglary in Daviess County where a handgun and other items were reported stolen. Deputies believed the suspects were heading south toward Kearney.
Police say a nightshift sergeant spotted the suspect vehicle as it entered city limits on I-35. Officers initiated a traffic stop, but after the driver exited the vehicle, a backseat passenger allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away.
The pursuit continued southbound on I-35 with assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies deployed tire-deflation devices, but the suspect eventually lost control and crashed into the cable barriers near the 291 Highway exit. Police say the suspect then threw the stolen handgun from the vehicle before being arrested. No injuries were reported.
In a twist, officers said the original driver, who had complied with commands and pulled over, requested to press charges against the backseat passenger for allegedly stealing his vehicle and fleeing from police.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 34-year-old man from Richmond, Missouri. He faces felony charges in Daviess County and is expected to face additional charges in Clay County. He is being held without bond.
