BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports one man in custody after pursuit.
John P. Burnett (40) of 43 Lake Road, Sikeston has been charged with the Class C Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, the Class A Misdemeanor of Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia, and the Class A Misdemeanor of Resisting Arrest.
Sheriff Walter states that on Wednesday, February 25th, at approximately 4:47 a.m., Deputy John Caudle was on patrol when he observed a green Chevrolet pickup parked in front of storage units on U.S. Highway 61 near County Highway 450 in Scott County.
Deputy Caudle parked his patrol vehicle close by to observe the vehicle. A short time later the vehicle departed south on Highway 61, then turned right and headed west on County Highway 450. The deputy observed that the pickup did not have a front license plate. It did have a rear Missouri plate and Deputy Caudle checked the number and determined the plate belonged on a different vehicle, indicating improper registration.
Deputy Caudle followed the vehicle which appeared to be quickly accelerating. The vehicle turned onto County Highway 452, heading south. The deputy activated his emergency equipment and attempted to stop the pickup which failed to yield. The pickup turned onto a field road and still continued to flee; left the roadway, entered a field, and attempted to cross a drainage ditch, eventually getting stuck.
Deputy Caudle ordered the driver out of the pickup, advised him he was under arrest, placed him in handcuffs, and searched him. During the search a glass pipe with white residue was located in the driver’s shirt pocket. That residue later tested positive for methamphetamine.
The driver was identified as Burnett after some initial difficulty and his refusal to cooperate. He then indicated a medical issue and Deputy Caudle requested an ambulance to respond.
The female passenger with Burnett was identified and clearly not party to the flight. She was not arrested and no charges are anticipated.
Sergeant Justin Wooten and Deputy Chelsea Gilmer arrived to assist. Deputy Gilmer went with Burnett in the ambulance to the hospital where they were met by Deputy Carl Rose.
Burnett was interviewed by Deputy Rose and admitted he had smoked methamphetamine. Rose, a certified drug recognition expert, completed an assessment of Burnett, and other paperwork with the anticipation of an additional charge of driving while intoxicated being filed at a later date.
Burnett was medically cleared by the hospital and transported to the Scott County Jail where he was incarcerated pending the filing of formal charges by the Scott County Prosecutor.
Because of the actions of Burnett, the pursuit leaving the roadway, and the recent ice and other terrain issues, the patrol car driven by Deputy Caudle sustained damage estimated in excess of $1,500.00, a blown passenger front tire, and had to be towed from the scene.
Sheriff Walter commends Deputy Caudle for the arrest, and the teamwork displayed by all personnel involved. The Sheriff asks that anyone who has additional information on Burnett or information regarding any other criminal activity to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.
Burnett remains in custody at the Scott County Jail. Bond was set by the court at $15,000.00 cash only.
