A 35-year-old Bates City man is facing multiple felony charges for two different incidents.
According to a probable-cause statement, on April 29, Odessa police officers were notified of a motor vehicle theft at the Odessa Whistle Stop Gas Station. Officers learned that the stolen vehicle was a red 2009 Ford Mustang. The store surveillance video showed a white newer model Chevrolet Malibu entering the parking lot soon after the red Ford Mustang. A white male exited the Chevrolet Malibu. From the surveillance video, the white male then entered the stolen Ford Mustang and drove away. The white male can be positively identified as Colt Gonzales.
At approximately 6 a.m. on April 30, two officers observed the stolen Ford Mustang exit I-70 eastbound at the Odessa exit. The vehicle then traveled east on Old 40 Highway. When the officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle by activating their emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle fled westbound on I-70 at a high rate of speed. During the chase, the driver was traveling at speeds of up to 114 miles per hour on I-70. While on I-70, officers observed the driver maneuvering the vehicle recklessly, passing vehicles on the shoulder. When the Mustang reached Route H, it exited I-70 and traveled north on Route H. The Mustang then turned west onto Route FF at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Officers then lost sight of the vehicle as they approached the intersection of FF and Buckner Tarsney in the Grain Valley area. At approximately 9:25 a.m., another officer was contacted that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department had just located the stolen Mustang in a field near 33008 East Perry Road in Grain Valley, less than one mile from where the vehicle was last seen during the pursuit. The officer processed the stolen vehicle for evidence. The vehicle was later returned to the owner.
On May 16, an officer observed Gonzales entering the Briar Wood apartment complex in Odessa. When the officer attempted to make contact, Gonzales ran on foot to an apartment. When Gonzales ran, the officer observed he was carrying at least two Dewalt tool cases. Both of the cases appeared to be unopened. Officers were provided consent to search the residence. Gonzales was hiding behind a washer and dryer and refused to comply with instructions to come out and had to be pulled out. Gonzales matched the surveillance images of the subject who was suspected of stealing the car from Whistle Stop. Officers also located two Dewalt impact drivers in cases. The officer looked in a red case and found numerous used and new syringes and eight syringes with a large amount of an orange/pink liquid substance inside, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also in the red case were five baggies with an unknown residue and four rubber bracelets. These bracelets were just like the bracelets Gonzales was wearing during the arrest.
Dispatch advised the officer that NAPA Auto Parts had called in stating that a person had stolen tools from the business. The officer was told that the suspect had stolen at least two Dewalt Impacts. Gonzales was identified by viewing surveillance video. The total theft was $1,188.00. The officer then showed management the two impacts that were recovered, and they confirmed they were the ones that were stolen.
Gonzales has been charged with Class D Felonies for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree, Stealing of $750 or More and Possession of a Controlled Substance; and two counts of a Class E Felony for Resisting Arrest for a Felony. Bond has been set at $25,000.
Gonzales pleaded not guilty during his arraignment hearing on May 19. His next hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at Lafayette County Circuit Court.