On Friday morning, Greene County Sheriff's Deputies received information of a possible stolen 2005 silver Mustang driving around southwest Springfield. The driver continued beyond the city limits into county jurisdiction where a GCSO Deputy was able to catch up to the vehicle. The driver led the GCSO Deputy in a brief pursuit in western Greene County before crashing in the area of W Independence Dr and S State Highway MM. The driver took off again in the damaged vehicle back onto I-44 where GCSO Deputies continued to try to stop it.
For a second time, the driver crashed the vehicle - this time in the area of I-44 and Mile Marker 68.2. The driver jumped from the vehicle and ran towards the wooded area. GCSO Deputies were able to determine the driver was a male who was wearing a red jacket or shirt, baseball cap and blue jeans. No one else was located in the vehicle.
No one was injured in either crash, no other vehicles were struck and there was only minor property damage that occurred.
A perimeter was quickly established by GCSO Deputies along with Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers. The immediate area was searched using a GCSO K9 and help from MSHP Air Support.
A 30-year old white male suspect was located hiding in the brush by GCSO Deputies, MSHP Troopers and GCSO K9 Lor. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident and the suspect is receiving medical attention for minor injuries.
After further investigation, it was determined the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Springfield earlier this morning. The investigation is still on-going and charges will be submitted to the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
