Columbia man charged following chase with deputies, crashing into another vehicle
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Columbia man was charged with multiple felonies on Tuesday following a chase with law enforcement on Sunday evening.
Avion Darnell Skillman, 20, was charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest by fleeing and leaving the scene of an accident that cause physical injury. Skillman was arrested and posted a $9,500 bond on Monday.
According to the probable cause statement, the Columbia Police Department took a report of a stolen 2011 Dodge Ram with an Arkansas registration around 9 a.m. Sunday.
Around 9 p.m. the same day, a Boone County Sheriff’s deputy saw the truck heading east on Bellview Drive near Scott Boulevard, according to court documents. The deputy turned on his emergency lights and sirens and a chase ensued on several Boone County roads, the statement says. Speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour and Skillman allegedly almost hit multiple vehicles, according to the statement.
The truck eventually started driving on the wrong side of the road on Forum Boulevard and crashed into another vehicle while turning onto Woodrail Avenue, the statement says. The other driver had moderate injuries and was brought to University Hospital by ambulance, the statement says.
Skillman then tried to run away, but law enforcement used a Taser on him twice and arrested him, according to court documents. The statement says Skillman told law enforcement that he knew the vehicle was stolen and asked why his passengers were not arrested for riding in the vehicle. The statement does not list other suspects.
The damage reported on the stolen vehicle was estimated at $2,000, according to the statement.
Skillman was previously sentenced to five years of supervised probation after pleading guilty on Aug. 14 to first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. A motion to revoke Skillman’s probation was filed on Tuesday, according to court records. The probable cause statement also says Skillman's license was suspended.
