Did you even realize that the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) had an option of using a helicopter for pursuits? They do and it paid off in this 100 mile chase.

It all began on the evening of November 24. At approximately 8:48 p.m., Missouri State Patrol  Troop A Communicatioins overheard Kansas City Police radio traffic regarding the pursuit of a tractor-truck that was westbound on 31st Street from Arlington Avenue. KCMO radio traffic further revealed the pursuit involved an aggravated assault involving a revolver.

A few minutes later the vehicle headed eastbound on I-70. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office became involved and then requested the Highway Patrol take the lead after the vehicle entered Lafayette County.

The suspect vehicle continued eastbound on I-70 at speeds up to 73 mph and struck spikes in multiple locations deployed by multiple agencies.  A patrol helicopter joined the pursuit and began following the suspect vehicle, allowing ground vehicles to back off.

According to a press release from the MSHP, the suspect vehicle eventually became disabled and stopped just east of the 106.6-mile marker near Boonville, MO, where it caught fire and the driver fled on foot.

The Patrol aircraft then directed officers to the driver after he ran into a barbed wire fence and laid down north of I-70. MSHP troopers advised Troop F Communications the subject was in custody. The driver was relayed back to Jackson County and released into the custody of the Kansas City Police Department in connection to the aggravated assault investigation.

The helicopter in airfield
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