For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B07021
February 5, 2007

EMPHASIS: Quincy, Illinois Men Arrested Following Pursuit


On Saturday, February 3, 2007, at approximately 7 a.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper checked a 1997 Pontiac traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 61, near Canton, Missouri, at a high rate of speed. When the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, it continued southbound on U.S. 61 at speeds over 100 miles per hour. The pursuit continued on U.S. 61 and then onto U.S. Highway 24, when the pursuit was terminated for safety concerns in the West Quincy, Missouri area. The suspect vehicle continued eastbound on U.S. 24 and crossed the Mississippi River Bridge where it entered Quincy, Illinois, and was involved in a minor traffic crash with the Quincy, Illinois, Police Department. The vehicle immediately came back across the state line and became stuck in a snow bank in West Quincy, Missouri. The driver and passenger of the vehicle fled on foot into the Ayerco Convenience Store where they were apprehended. During the investigation, officers determined the suspect vehicle had been stolen from Quincy, Illinois, on February 2, 2007.
The driver of the vehicle, Johnathon L. Probasco, 20, of Quincy, Illinois, was arrested for tampering with a motor vehicle (First Degree), fleeing to avoid felony arrest, careless and imprudent driving, and no operator’s license.
The passenger of the vehicle, Cory R. Mefford, 20, of Quincy, Illinois, was arrested for tampering with a motor vehicle.
Both men were transported to the Lewis County, Missouri, Jail, where they were being held on 24-hour holds pending issuance of warrants.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Lagrange Police Department, Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, and the Quincy, Illinois, Police Department.
The charges for which the individuals were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

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