A 31-year-old Sedalia man has been charged with felonies for allegedly speeding away from a residence in a vehicle with a small child on his lap and later resisting arrest on Sunday, March 22.
A probable-cause statement says witnesses reported Blake R. Clapham, whom they say was intoxicated, took the 1-year-old and placed him on his lap and sped off at a high rate of speed. One witness estimated the vehicle to be traveling about 40 miles per hour; and the other witness’ estimate was around 100 miles per hour. After Clapham returned the child unharmed, authorities arrived and tried to take him into custody. They say Clapham resisted several times. So, they eventually had to place him in a wrap; and they transported him in a cage inside a police car to jail.
Clapham has been charged with a Class D Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child; a Class E Felony for Resisting Arrest for a Felony; and three misdemeanors. Bond has been set at $8,500 cash or surety.
Clapham’s initial hearing is pending at Pettis County Circuit Court.