The Pettis County Sheriff’s Department arrested two subjects following a high-speed chase in the city of Sedalia on Tuesday, November 5.
According to the department, a Pettis County Deputy observed a truck and camper traveling north on U.S. Highway 65 at approximately 86 miles per hour (MPH). The deputy turned around and caught up with the vehicle near 32nd and Limit in Sedalia.
Emergency equipment was activated to initiate a stop. However, the driver failed to yield as he drove through the McDonald’s parking lot near 16th and Limit. The vehicle proceeded onto eastbound 16th Street. The deputy’s emergency siren was then activated. The driver of the truck continued failing to yield and traveled east reaching speeds of 72 MPH. During the fleeing, the driver of the truck struck a school bus near the intersection of 16th Street and Hancock Avenue resulting in injury to the driver; the school bus was unoccupied other than the driver. The pursuit continued east on 16th Street to M Highway and ultimately drove into a field near 28th Street.
Once stopped, the driver of the truck, later identified as 33-year-old Joshua Ewing, of Strasburg, fled on foot through the field. He was taken into custody by responding deputies without incident. A female passenger, 26-year-old Alicia Ealey, of Raytown, was taken into custody inside the truck.
A search of the truck ensued resulting in the seizure of a fully loaded Ruger 9mm, just over $1,000, half ounce of a crystalline substance, several items deemed to be drug paraphernalia, scales, and Xanax. A check of the truck through NCIC revealed that the truck was stolen. A later test of the crystalline substance revealed methamphetamine and fentanyl. Both subjects were taken to the Pettis County Jail and charged.
Ewing was charged with felonies for aggravated fleeing a stop causing physical injury, armed criminal action, trafficking drugs second degree, delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and tampering with a motor vehicle in the first degree. He is being held without bond.
Ealey has been charged with trafficking drugs in the second degree and delivery of a controlled substance. Bond was set at $150,000.
Both subjects are due for a counsel status hearing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 12.
Photo courtesy of Pettis County Sheriff’s Department