On Wednesday, September 27, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Department successfully apprehended a suspect after a prolonged high-speed chase across multiple counties. The incident began around 8:50 a.m. when a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy identified a Silver 2011 Lincoln MKT, known for its ties to narcotics distribution, with a non-functioning brake light at the 92 Highway and Regency intersection.
The deputy recognized the vehicle and initiated a stop. However, the driver opted to flee, leading the officers on a cross-county pursuit, venturing into Clinton and Caldwell counties. The Lincoln started a dangerous chase, escalating to speeds exceeding 100 MPH and dangerously navigating through marked construction zones, where traffic was limited to one lane and workers were present. The pursuit continued, with additional law enforcement personnel joining the pursuit to apprehend the suspect. The suspect briefly stopped his vehicle to let out a female passenger before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Clay County K9 Freyja was deployed to search the area and subsequently located the suspect, Ronald Crumley, 42, of Excelsior Springs, hiding in dense brush. Crumley was charged with resisting arrest by fleeing. Upon interrogation, Crumley confessed that his decision to flee was motivated by his current parole status, expressing his unwillingness to return to prison. He also disclosed that the Lincoln vehicle he was operating belonged to his female passenger, who was unnamed in the report but identified as “Arrest 2.”
The probable cause statement filed states that Crumley has a substantial criminal history, including multiple prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, delivery of a controlled substance, leaving the scene of an accident, and resisting arrest.
The multi-county chase brought together various law enforcement resources to ensure the apprehension of Crumley, who is now facing charges that will, most likely, see him returning to prison. Crumley is set to appear in a Clay County courtroom next week for a parole hearing.
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