A police chase ended at Perryville High School monday, after a Mustang was stolen from a local car lot.
At approximately 12:32 p.m. Monday July 20, Perryville Police Officers were dispatched to Benning Ford located at 909 S. Perryville Blvd. for a subject that stole a car from the lot.
According to a statement released by the Perryville Police Department, The 39 year old male who was later arrested and identified as Shane Omar James of Lesterville, MO walked onto the car lot and located a 2024 Ford Mustang with the keys in the vehicle. Witnesses stated the male entered the vehicle, and upon starting it, took off south towards Interstate 55.
Three minutes later Perryville Police Officers located the Mustang on W. St. Joseph St. near Pine St. and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. James refused to stop and attempted to elude officers.
Beginning a pursuit through the downtown square, south on Main St. towards city limits and then ended up abruptly turning into the Perry County School District #32 campus. The school went on a brief lockdown while officers attempted to get James to stop the vehicle. While he was attempting to get away, James almost struck a school district employee. Shortly after that, James came to a stop and complied with officers.
According to a press release from the school board, the suspect drove onto the school’s football field, making several circles while searching for an escape route. The vehicle eventually exited the field up a walkway before reaching a dead end in a gravel lot next to Old Senior High. The suspect exited the vehicle and was immediately apprehended.
From the time of theft to the conclusion of the pursuit and the arrest of James was approximately 8 minutes. James was taken to the Perry County Joint Justice Center where he awaits charges. He is being held on Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, Assault 1 st Degree, Burglary, Property Damage 1 st and Unlawful Entry of a Motor Vehicle.
“I am proud of the quick response and teamwork by our officers today to bring this case to a swift and safe end,” Police chief Dustin Miller said. “I would also like to thank the Deputies of the Perry County Sheriff’s Department for their help in ending this pursuit and assisting with taking James into custody.”
On July 21, a warrant was received charging James with the following:
1. Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention RSMO 575.151 Class: D Felony
2. Tampering With Motor Vehicle RSMO 569.080 Class-D Felony
3. Property Damage 1 st -Damage to Motor Vehicle w/ Intent to Steal RSMO 569.100 Class D Felony
4. Property Damage 1st.
The Judge issued a no bond warrant at this time, meaning James will remain in jail until there is a bond hearing.
