Deputies chase man from Columbia to Jefferson City

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department arrested a St. Louis man early Thursday morning after he led deputies on a chase from Columbia to Jefferson City.

A deputy saw James Hunt run a red light on Highway 63 and Conley Road in Columbia. Hunt did not immediately pull over and continued to lead the deputy on a chase on Highway 63 that exceeded speeds of 100 mph, sheriff’s Detective Tom O’Sullivan said. During the chase, Hunt almost collided with an Ashland police vehicle as well.

The chase continued onto Route M and the River Road before ending on Jefferson Street in Jefferson City. According to O’Sullivan, Hunt was forced to stop at a dead end.

Deputies found a stolen, loaded pistol in the passenger seat of Hunt’s vehicle. Hunt also had an active warrant out for his arrest.

The pursuit lasted about 45 minutes and covered 53 miles. Cole and Callaway County law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and Ashland and Jefferson City Police assisted in the pursuit.

Hunt was booked in jail early Thursday morning.

Sign up for email news alerts by clicking here