Maries County deputies arrest man after high speed motorcycle chase

Maries County deputies arrested Mark Matthews Jr, 31, on April 10 after officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a motorcycle on Highway 63 for speeding.

Officers said Matthews stopped but then rapidly accelerated traveling south on Highway 63. The motorcycle reached speeds in excess of 135 mph inside of the city limits.

Deputies said they reduced speed for safety reasons and lost sight of the motorcycle. Officers later noticed the motorcycle had wrecked on the side of the road.

Matthews had to be taken to the hospital via helicopter because he suffered serious injuries.

Matthews had active warrants for his arrest out of Washington County, Franklin County and Potosi. He faces additional charges of resisting arrest and driving while suspended.