Man arrested following chase through Scott County

BENTON - A Festus man is facing charges after leading sheriff's deputies on a chase through Scott County.

Jason M. Hopper, 27, is charged with the felony of resisting arrest by fleeing and the misdemeanors of assault on a law enforcement officer, careless and imprudent driving and property damage.

On Monday the Scott County Sheriff's Office received a call about a suspicious red vehicle at an abandoned residence in Morley, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. The vehicle was located and the deputy maneuvered his vehicle behind it.

"The driver (Hopper) saw the patrol vehicle behind him. Hopper sped up and failed to stop at a stop sign," Walter said in a news release. "The deputy activated his emergency equipment, but Hopper refused to stop."

Hopper led the deputy on a chase for almost an hour through Morley, Oran, Haywood City and county roads before Hopper's vehicle was cornered by another deputy, Walter reported. After Hopper attempted to get his vehicle around the deputy's car, but could not, he put his vehicle in reverse and struck the Scott County patrol vehicle that was behind him causing damage to the front of the patrol vehicle.

Hopper then got out of his vehicle, attempting to flee on foot, but was subdued by deputies on scene. According to Walter, Hopper told deputies he did not stop due to not having a valid license.

Hopper was arrested and transported to the Scott County jail, where he remains in custody. Bond is set at $5,000 cash only.

The Sheriff said other criminal charges are pending.