H62226
June 22, 2026

EMPHASIS: Wrong Way Driver Arrested After Attempted Carjacking In Harrison County

On June 20, 2026, at approximately 8:37 a.m., Troop H Headquarters received a report of a wrong-way driver on Interstate 35 in Harrison County, MO. A Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper located the suspected vehicle, a sliver minivan, on the exit ramp of I-35 near the 92-mile marker. The vehicle was abandoned and unoccupied.

While on scene, the trooper learned several citizens were attempting to restrain a male subject in a nearby gas station parking lot. The trooper responded to the gas station and the subject was taken into custody. The subject was identified as Edgar Y. Martinez-Ramirez, 36, of Olathe, KS. It was later determined Martinez-Ramirez was the suspected wrong-way driver.

The preliminary investigation revealed, following the abandonment of his vehicle, Martinez-Ramirez illegally entered an occupied vehicle at a nearby gas station while the owner was refueling. A one-year-old child was in the vehicle Martinez-Ramirez attempted to take in an attempt to flee the area. The owner entered the vehicle and a struggle ensued. Martinez-Ramirez attempted to drive away, striking another vehicle in the parking lot. The owner managed to place the vehicle in park, and nearby citizens assisted in removing Martinez-Ramirez from the driver’s seat. Martinez-Ramirez was later transported to Harrison County Jail.

On June 20, 2026, the Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Martinez-Ramirez with Attempted Child Kidnapping and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle 1st-Degree. He is being held in the Harrison County Jail without bond.

The Patrol would like to thank the citizens and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the apprehension/arrest of Martinez-Ramirez.

The charges for which the above individual was arrested are a mere accusation 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.

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