Columbia man allegedly leads Miller County authorities on chase with child in car

WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was arrested and charged on Thursday after he allegedly led Miller County authorities on a high-speed chase with a 3-year-old in the backseat of his car.

The Waynesville Police Department and Miller County Sheriff's Office tried to pull over Matthew J. Brown early Thursday morning, and Brown allegedly led authorities on a chase. The chase started on Route 42 and Highway A in Miller County, according to court documents.

The chase reached speeds of 75 mph in a 55 mph zone, and a Waynesville police cruiser crashed into a ditch during the chase, according to court documents.

Brown then allegedly "rammed" a Miller County deputy's vehicle and fled the scene, court documents said.

The chase continued toward St. Anthony, and Brown allegedly ran through multiple fences during the chase. Brown eventually drove into a field and was taken into custody, court documents said.

Law enforcement had to attempt to break the window of the car to pepper spray brown and other occupants, court documents said.

Authorities found a 3-year-old child in the backseat of the car as well as other passengers. Court documents did not indicate how many passengers were in the car.

No one was reported hurt in the incident.

Brown was charged with second-degree assault and two counts of resisting arrest, creating a substantial risk.

He's being held in the Miller County Jail on a $50,000 bond.