Man arrested after police chase in Jefferson City

Jefferson City police arrested Charles Roark after a short vehicle and foot pursuit early Saturday morning.

Just after midnight, two officers tried to stop Roark for a vehicle registration violation in the 100 block of W. McCarty Street. Roark failed to stop for officers and a vehicle pursuit began.

Roark crashed his car two blocks away in the 300 block of Washington Street.

“The driver immediately got out and began running on foot,” said Lt. David Williams. “The second officer observed there was a passenger in that vehicle, so he stayed with that person to take them into custody. “

Williams said the female passenger cooperated with authorities. She was arrested and released later on. She is currently not facing any charges.

The other officer continued to run after Roark on foot behind buildings in the area, causing him to break his leg. He immediately called in back up officers that found Roark hiding behind a building less than 200 yards away from where he crashed his vehicle.

“As assisting officers were responding, they were able to set up a perimeter,” Williams said. “Shortly after they were able to locate the driver behind the building and another foot pursuit then started. When an officer tried to tackle him and take him into custody, he continued to resist and eventually he was taken into custody.”

Williams said there was about eight officers who helped with the chase. A second officer sustained a minor leg injury while trying to arrest Roark.

Both officers were treated and released from the hospital, but Williams said neither will be back to work anytime soon.

After searching Roark’s car, police found several items.

“During the course of the arrest, a semi-automatic pistol was recovered, a lot of individually wrapped narcotics were also found and a large amount of currency taken from the driver as well,” Williams said.

Roark is facing charges of distribution of a controlled substance, assault on law enforcement, unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest by fleeing.

He is being held in the Cole County jail with a $200,000 bond.

The Jefferson City Police Department is continuing to investigate.