The driver and a passenger in a vehicle that reportedly sped away from a traffic stop on I-70 in Cooper County on Wednesday, June 27, have been charged with felonies.
According to a probable-cause statement, after the Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper had exited his vehicle, the driver of the suspect vehicle sped away and reportedly passed several vehicles on the shoulder while traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. The driver and passenger later were located after the use of a canine in a wooded area near Highway 179.
Arrested were the driver, 39-year-old Christian D. Hansen, of St. Louis, and 24-year-old Jennifer Nicole Wesson, of Independence. Wesson reportedly had over $4,000 in cash on her and Hansen nearly $1,300 in cash on him. Authorities also say they found several drug-related items, including a syringe, a large baggie and several small bags all containing methamphetamine residue; and two Clonazepam pills. Authorities say the bags appeared to be ripped open, as they say the occupants dumped the methamphetamine during the pursuit.
According to online court documents, warrants have been issued and Wesson has been charged with two counts and Hansen one count of a Class D Felony for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid; each with a Class E Felony for Resisting Arrest by Fleeing; Hansen, who the probable-cause statement says has had 11 Driving While Suspended or Revoked convictions in the last 10 years, with a Class E Felony for Driving While Revoked or Suspended; and Wesson with two drug-related misdemeanors. Bond for Hansen has been set at $50,000 and Wesson at $25,000 cash or surety.
An initial appearance for each at Cooper County Circuit Court is pending.