Suspects arrested following high-speed chase

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Two male suspects were in custody Thursday — one in Nodaway County and one in Andrew County — following a high-speed chase that began around 1 a.m. at Third and Main streets in Maryville.

Maryville Public Safety Director Keith Wood said the chase started after an MPS officer tried to initiate a traffic stop after encountering a Pontiac Grand Am with plates that failed to match the car’s registration.

The driver fled south through town and proceeded down Highway 71. Wood said that as the pursuit developed, the fleeing car reached speeds of approximately 110 mph.

Andrew County deputies and Savannah police were notified as the chase moved southward, and officers set out spike strips at the Highway 71/Highway 59 interchange, which successfully punctured the tires on the suspects’ vehicle.

The Grand Am was nevertheless able to continue south on 71 before exiting east toward Savannah on Route T. Once inside town, Wood said, both suspects abandoned the car, by that time rolling on metal wheel rims, and fled on foot. They were taken into custody a short time later.

Wood said the passenger, who was not immediately identified, was being held in Andrew County, where he reportedly faces charges from an earlier incident.

The Grand Am’s driver, Jaston Cox, 19, St. Joseph, was taken to the Nodaway County jail, where he remained in custody Thursday on a 24-hour investigative hold. Charges were pending.

Agencies involved in the chase included Maryville Public Safety, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, Andrew County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

No injuries were reported.