Mid-Missouri man charged after crash with officer

A mid-Missouri man now faces multiple charges after allegedly crashing into a New Franklin police officer.

Jeffrey Knifong faces a count each of first-degree assault, first-degree vehicle tampering and resisting arrest. New Franklin officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle Tuesday at the 100 block of County Road 343 in Howard County.

Reportedly, officers responded to a residence at 123 County Road 343 when Knifong ran from police. According to a probable cause statement, Knifong got in the car he stole and drove away from the residence.

Allegedly Knifong led authorities on a high-speed chase around Howard County. Knifong drove down Highway 87 and apparently drove faster than 100 miles per hour at times. The chase continued down the highway, Knifong reportedly drove through a police barricade and switched directions multiple times.

Knifong crashed into an officer before running from the scene. The same police report shows Knifong intentionally crashed into the officer. He was arrested after running into the woods.

No injuries were reported in the crash. Knifong is held in the Howard County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Sign up for email news alerts by clicking here