News Release


For further information please contact:

Sergeant Dale H. Moreland

(573) 840-9500

E021702

February 17, 2006


EMPHASIS: Pursuit and traffic crash



The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop E Poplar Bluff reports a trooper was involved in a short pursuit on February 16, 2006, which ended in a fiery crash for the suspect vehicle, and the apprehension of the suspect driver.


On February 16, 2006, at approximately 1:06 p.m., the trooper notified Troop E by radio he was in pursuit of a green Mercury Topaz traveling south on U.S. 67, south of Greenville for a traffic violation. The vehicle turned east onto Route F and traveled about three miles before turning into a private drive. The suspect vehicle circled the private property attempting to get back onto the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. The driver exited the vehicle running a short distance and was apprehended. The Mercury Topaz was totally engulfed by flames following the crash.


The driver Kevin B. Welch, 20, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, driving while revoked, possession of marijuana, and failure to obey a reasonable command of a highway patrolman. Welch was incarcerated in the Wayne County Jail pending bond.


The charges for which Welch is accused are mere accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.