Full Notification

Greene County Sheriff's Deputies apprehend fugitive 20-year old Aera Keller after she assaulted a Deputy nearly one month ago

On November 9, 2015, Greene County Sheriff's Deputy David Barton attempted to arrest 20-year old Aera Keller for an outstanding warrant in the parking lot of the Greene County Courthouse. Keller assaulted Deputy Barton with the vehicle she was driving by pinning him between two vehicles. She fled from the area and law enforcement officers in the southwest Missouri region have been searching for her since.

Early this morning, GCSO Deputies received information about a possible location for Keller at a hotel in the area of East Battlefield Road and US Highway 65. Deputies observed a female matching Keller's description get into a vehicle leaving the location. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the female driver failed to stop and led Deputies on a pursuit in eastern Springfield.

The vehicle became disabled and crashed into a fence in the area of East Blaine Street and North Glenstone Avenue. The accident also caused damage to a GCSO Patrol vehicle; however, no Deputies sustained any injuries.

The driver who was later identified as AERA D KELLER was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Greene County Jail after receiving medical attention as a precaution.

"Ms. Keller managed to elude Law Enforcement for almost a month," states Sheriff Jim Arnott. "However, it is the pursuit of justice which prevailed - the hard work, perseverance, long hours and dedication of our Deputies and collaborative efforts with surrounding agencies that helped us capture this fugitive."

The Greene County Prosecuting Attorney's Office had charged Keller with:
1 - Felony count of 2nd Degree Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
(warrant #1531-CR07258, bond amount $100,000.00)
2 - Felony counts of Receiving Stolen Property
(warrant #1531-CR06210, bond amount $6,000.00)
1 - Felony count of Trafficking in Stolen Identities
(warrant #1531-CR07420, bond amount $25,000.00)

Additional charges may be forthcoming which been submitted to the GC PA's Office for further review.

**A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.**