According to the probable cause statement, during the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 22, 2019, an Odessa police officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Mason and Wells Streets.
The officer noticed a vehicle with a trailer parked at the Casey’s General Store, which was closed at the time. When the vehicle exited the parking lot, the officer observed the towed unit did not have any working lights, at which time the officer stopped the vehicle. During the stop, the officer observed the license plates on vehicle were expired.
Contact was made with the driver, who was later identified as 25-year-old Kenneth Hurd of Odessa. Hurd reportedly only put his window down a few inches when the officer approached his vehicle and refused to provide any identification. A call to Higginsville Dispatch verified that Hurd had warrants for failure to appear, for a number of charges, out of Ray County and Independence. Hurd reportedly refused to cooperate with the officer and provide any identifying information.
At the time the officer was attempting to get Hurd’s social security number, to confirm his identity, Hurd was reportedly advised to turn off his vehicle instructed, several times, to step out of his vehicle. The officer reportedly advised Hurd, if he did not comply, that the officer would have to break the window of the vehicle. Hurd reportedly refused and instead, drove off at a high-rate of speed after the officer attempted to open the door. A chase ensued through Odessa and onto Interstate 70.
Hurd was reportedly traveling at excessive speeds in a residential area and reached speeds that exceeded 100 mph while on Interstate 70. When Hurd approached the exit ramp of M/O Highway, Hurd cut off a semi-truck and trailer when he traveled from the fast lane to the outside lane to exit. While on the exit ramp, Hurd’s vehicle collided into a guard rail, causing extensive damage.
Hurd was taken into custody and transported to Lafayette Regional Hospital to be observed for any injuries. He was later cleared for confinement and transported to the Lafayette County jail.
Hurd is charged with a Class E Felony for Resisting Arrest/Detention/Stop By Fleeing-Creating a Substantial Risk of Serious Injury/Death to Any Person and a Misdemeanor for Making a False Report with bond set at $10,000 cash or surety.
His initial hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Lafayette County Circuit Court.