Moberly man arrested in Centralia after brief pursuit, crash

A brief chase in Centralia ended with a man behind bars Tuesday.

According to the Centralia Police Department, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Richard Thames of Moberly.

When the officer turned on his emergency lights, Thames sped up. A vehicle pursuit ensued throughout Centralia until Thames lost control at the intersection of Bruton and Columbia.

The vehicle then plowed through a fence and into a steep ravine.

Police said Thames fled on foot but was caught a short time later as a passenger in another vehicle.

According to police, Thames swiftly admitted, “It was me. I did it.”

He was later transported to the Boone County Jail on charges including DWI-aggravated offender, operating a vehicle without a license, property damage, and resisting arrest.