A Sedalia man was arrested after attempting to flee from authorities and causing an accident in city limits on Wednesday, March 12.

The Sedalia Police Department says officers were patrolling the area of West 3rd Street and South Missouri Avenue in Sedalia where an officer noticed a pickup truck with two different license plates. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle began evading police, forcing a pursuit. Police had to disengage from the chase due to it posing a risk to other motorists.

Officers then found that same vehicle involved in a crash with another truck on West 16th Street and South Missouri Avenue. The suspect vehicle’s driver had fled the scene on foot after the crash. Officers then searched the pickup, learning that it had been reported stolen out of Blue Springs. Officers also found evidence confirming the driver of the stolen vehicle as Robert Bower.

Police later located Bower hiding in a residence on West 18th Street and South Harrison Avenue, where he was placed under arrest. Bower denied stealing the vehicle, stating he was borrowing it from a friend.

Bower has been charged with felonies for aggravated fleeing, leaving the scene of an accident, receiving stolen property, tampering with a motor vehicle, armed criminal action, and driving while revoked. Bond has been set at $50,000 cash or surety, with the condition of Bower not being allowed to operate a motor vehicle.