A Clinton man is facing several felony charges after leading authorities on a high speed pursuit across multiple counties on May 21.

According to a probable cause statement, deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office were notified of a vehicle driven by Merle Coke III fleeing from law enforcement in a neighboring county and traveling to the Kingsville area in Johnson County.

Deputies located Coke’s vehicle at the intersection of Missouri Highway 2 and Southwest State Highway T and initiated a vehicle pursuit. Coke’s vehicle didn’t yield to emergency sirens and continued north on Highway T at speeds exceeding 85 miles per hour, more than 30 MPH over the posted speed limit.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol successfully used a tire deflation device to deflate three of Coke’s tires. Coke drove into a ditch in the 500 block of SW Highway T and fled on foot, where he was quickly apprehended.

Coke is facing felony charges for aggravated fleeing and driving while revoked. Bond was set at $25,000 cash only. Court arrangements are still pending at this time.