Two Belton residents have been charged with felonies after a high-speed pursuit ended in Saline County on Friday, October 18.
According to a probable-cause statement, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper attempted a traffic stop at the 98 mile marker on I-70 in Cooper County. The vehicle reportedly sped away traveling west, reportedly reached speeds of up to 115 mph, and continued into Saline County. The driver of the suspect vehicle reportedly changed lanes without using his signal and passed one motorist on the shoulder. Spike strips were deployed at the 71 mile marker, and the Ford Taurus came to a stop on the shoulder a short distance later. Two men reportedly exited the vehicle and fled. Officers from the Sweet Springs Police Department and other troopers responded to assist in the manhunt. A perimeter was established, and a Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter also responded. The suspects eventually were located and arrested. The Taurus being driven was reported as stolen out of Belton.
According to online court documents the driver of the vehicle, 19-year-old Wyatt Duncan, has been charged with a Class D Felony for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree and a Class C Felony for Resisting Arrest, Detention or Stop by fleeing- Creating a Substantial Risk of Serious Injury or Death to any Person. Bond has been set at $15,000 cash only. The passenger, 20-year-old Phillip Boyd, has been charged with a Class C Felony for Resisting Arrest and a misdemeanor for tampering with a motor vehicle in the second degree. His cash-only bond has been set at $10,000.
An initial hearing for each of the accused is pending at Saline County Circuit Court.