Ray County, MO – A stolen vehicle pursuit through western Missouri ended in a crash early Monday, leaving two people injured and a driver facing felony charges, according to the Ray County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the chase began just before 2 a.m. Oct. 20, when officers tried to stop a vehicle near 210 Highway and Ameristar Drive after its license plate was flagged as stolen. The suspect fled east on Highway 210, hitting a spike strip and a Missouri Department of Transportation construction sign before crossing into Ray County.
The vehicle lost control and overturned near Z Highway and Centennial Road. Deputies from Ray County responded and assisted in arresting the driver and passenger, who were both taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries. Authorities later confirmed the car had been reported stolen, and the license plate belonged to a different stolen vehicle.
The driver, identified as 38-year-old Donald P. Erkfritz, has been charged with aggravated fleeing a stop causing physical injury, a felony. Officials said the case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed.
K9 Freyja, a police dog assisting in the pursuit, was briefly freed from her patrol vehicle during the chase but was safely recovered with no injuries reported.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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