Two area residents were arrested after a reported high-speed pursuit in Lafayette County on Wednesday, December 1.
According to a release from the Waverly Police Department, while conducting routine traffic observation in front of the Waverly Elementary School during student drop off, an officer observed a car traveling westbound on Highway 24 with improper registration displayed. A traffic stop was attempted, and the driver of the suspect vehicle- later identified as 37-year-old Mark Mejia, of Sedalia- fled at a high rate of speed.
A vehicle pursuit ensued which traveled westbound on Highway 24, southbound on Route O and then westbound on I-70 past Grain Valley. Mejia fled at speeds of over 120 miles per hour, often drove in the oncoming lane of traffic, and both he and the only other occupant of the suspect vehicle- identified as 42-year-old Dianna Guevara, of Carrollton- threw several items of drug paraphernalia from the vehicle and into the roadway.
Spike strips were attempted numerous times with success. After losing three of the vehicle’s four tires, Mejia finally came to a stop and was taken into custody without further incident.
Each suspect was transported to the Lafayette County Jail, where Guevara allegedly had a large quantity of what is believed to be a controlled substance concealed on her person.
During this 40 minute, over 55-mile pursuit, the assistance of several law-enforcement agencies were needed, including the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office; Lexington, Odessa and Oak Grove Police Departments; and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Court documents say Mejia is charged with a felony for resisting arrest by fleeing and a misdemeanor for tampering with physical evidence. Bond is set at $25,000 cash. Guevara is charged with felonies for possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution and a misdemeanor for tampering with physical evidence. Her bond is set at $50,000 cash or surety.
Each defendant pleaded not guilty on December 2. Their next hearings are scheduled to be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 8, at Lafayette County Circuit Court.