Sikeston man who avoided police since Sept. 9 in custody

William Ralph

A Sikeston man wanted since Sept. 9 who led law enforcement in a vehicle and foot pursuit before running into a corn in rural Sikeston is now in custody.

William Robert Ralph, 38, of Sikeston was arrested Friday by Cape Girardeau Police in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office said.

Ralph faces the following charges in Scott County: two counts of resisting arrest, detention, stop by fleeing-creating a substantial risk of serious injury/death to any person; stealing; domestic assault-third degree; operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner; and driving while revoked/suspended-first offense; and the following charge in Cape Girardeau County: resisting/interfering with the arrest for a felony, according to online court records.

At 12:19 a.m. Sept. 9 deputies with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office responded to Hale Drive in rural Sikeston in reference to a domestic assault, according to Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury.

During the investigation, it was determined Ralph allegedly committed the assault and had stolen a 2016 Cadillac.

At around 7:30 a.m. Sept. 9, a caller advised Ralph had returned to Hale Drive and was in possession of the stolen vehicle.

“Deputies responded, and a short vehicle pursuit occurred. Ralph left the vehicle on foot and ran into a corn field,” Drury said at the time. “Multiple agencies attempted to located Mr. Ralph using a K-9, drones and foot patrol.”

Sikeston Department of Public Safety, New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, and Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted the Sheriff’s Office during the initial search.

Ralph also previously had warrants from surrounding states and local charges.

He was scheduled to appear Monday in Cape Girardeau County Court in Jackson, Missouri.