Portageville man arrested after pursuit in stolen vehicle in Scott County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A Portageville man was arrested after deputies said he led law enforcement on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle before crashing and attempting to flee on foot.

According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified Sunday of a vehicle reported stolen in Ste. Genevieve County that was traveling south on Interstate 55 into Scott County. Authorities said the vehicle was identified through a FLOCK camera alert that notified local dispatch centers.

Officials said a Scott City firefighter heard the radio traffic and spotted the vehicle. The firefighter followed the vehicle from a safe distance and provided location updates until a deputy located it near the Benton exit on Interstate 55.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, identified as Joshua Weaver of Portageville, allegedly fled, leading officers on a pursuit.

Authorities said Weaver eventually crashed the stolen truck into a tree and ran from the scene. Deputies continued the pursuit on foot and located Weaver hiding behind an HVAC unit near an abandoned home, where he was taken into custody.

The Scott County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Weaver with aggravated fleeing, a Class D felony; resisting arrest, a Class E felony; receiving stolen property, a Class D felony; and second-degree property damage, a Class B misdemeanor.

Officials said Weaver also faces charges in Ste. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau counties.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Scott City Fire Department, Miner Police Department and Kelso Police Department assisted in the investigation.

An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.