1/26/21 Sangamon County, IL – A Pleasant Plains Police Pick Up Was Stolen From An Active Investigation – State Police Assisting

January 26, 2021

www.wcia.com

Missouri authorities met the stolen OHP unit at the state line. Joplin Police officers spiked the OHP unit successfully. The pursuit ended near 1 mile marker into Missouri. A Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper crashed into an OHP unit. Troopers from Oklahoma and Missouri were injured.

The suspects was taken into custody by Joplin Police and later transferred to the Newton County jail.

From Oklahoma Highway Patrol: It started just before 5:30 p.m. when an OHP trooper was in pursuit of a black Dodge Charger with a paper tag on the Will Rogers Turnpike eastbound between Vinita and Afton. The suspect vehicle struck stop sticks that had been set up near the Miami gate. The suspect’s tire deflated and he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Troopers pursued and at some point in time, the suspect stole an OHP unit and continued eastbound on the turnpike.

The suspect crossed over into Missouri, hitting a Missouri Highway Patrol unit. That trooper sustained unknown injuries and was transported to the hospital. The suspect eventually struck stop sticks set up by Missouri Highway Patrol and was taken into custody.

After the suspect was taken into custody, it was discovered that an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper had been struck as well. He was exiting his unit to apprehend the suspect and was accidentally struck by a Missouri Highway Patrol unit. The OHP trooper was also transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.

Illinois State Police said they are helping the Pleasant Plains Police Department with a case involving a stolen police vehicle.

In a news release, troopers said a Pleasant Plains police vehicle was taken around 11:15 p.m. on Sunday during an incident. State Police are looking into leads to try to find the vehicle.

If you have any information regarding the vehicle’s whereabouts, call ISP Zone 4 Investigations at (217) 782-4750.