Traffic reopened on Route K in Cape Girardeau County after police chase

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) -A man is in custody after police say he stole a car and used it in a police chase.

According to a probable cause statement, officers contacted the person to who the vehicle was registered to was not aware that the car had been stolen. Later police spoke with the victim and learned she parked the car at their home, with the doors locked.

Police say the suspect, Emanuel Crespo, 27, took the car without permission. He led police on a chase along Route K in Cape Girardeau County.

According to DPS Deputy Jason Morgan, the incident started when his officers issued a stop on Morgan Oak Street, after seeing a car doing donuts in the middle of the roadway.

“The vehicle failed to yield and then they continued on some side streets in Cape and eventually moved to the interstate.” Said Morgan.

That’s when the chase continued; prompting officers with the police department and troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to take over the pursuit. Heavy police presence could be seen on route K near Notre Dame High School.

Eye witness, Ryley Styer, says it was a day like any other, before the chase occurred. He’d just arrived to work at the Notre Dame soccer fields when he and his colleagues heard sirens in the distance. It was something they brushed off, until they noticed the noise growing closer.

“The car that was fleeing from police hit a hill, granted, this was in the middle of two soccer fields. Went over, took out a chunk of grass, and then just started going across the soccer fields.” Said Styer.

Officers used stop sticks that flattened the suspects tires, ending the chase.

Styer says, “I’m so glad nobody got hurt. Glad he was caught before any real damage could have been done. Great job to Cape PD as always. Doing God’s work out here and just really glad nobody got hurt.”

Officers additionally say they are relieved the chase is over without injury.

“Us and Cape PD, our primary goal is to keep our community safe. And that’s what we did today.” Said Deputy Morgan

Crespo now faces a long list of charges stemming from the chase.