Speed Demon Caught

A Neosho man was taken into custody Sunday afternoon following a high speed chase through the streets of Pineville before being caught east of the city after crashing and taking off on foot.

Christopher J. Lasley, 37, remains in the McDonald County Jail waiting the filing of formal charges.

According to Sgt. Chris Pierce of the Pineville Marshal's Office, in addition to charges stemming from Sunday's chase, Lasley was wanted on a felony warrant for first degree domestic assault.

Pierce said he was patrolling south of Pineville on I-49 at about 2:30 p.m. when he met a green Ford Mustang traveling north at about 100 m.p.h. Pierce said he turned around and was able stop the car on the Route EE exit, but as Pierce exited his vehicle, the driver of the Mustang took off.

Pierce said the car turned east on Route EE, crossed Business Highway 71 without stopping and proceeded down Jesse James Road where he was "checked" at 111 m.p.h. in a 45 m.p.h. zone. Pierce said the car turned onto 8th Street heading east where it failed to stop at stop signs at Route W and Harmon Street.

Pierce said the chase continued out Big Sugar Creek Road, where twice the suspect stopped short causing Pierce to strike the vehicle. Pierce said after the second attempt to wreck his car, he backed off the suspect, who then crossed Crag O'Lea bridge and continued on Pine Log Road where he turned around and headed back toward town.

At this point, David Flanary, a former McDonald County deputy and Pineville deputy, blocked the narrow road with his truck. The suspect struck Flanary's truck in attempt to knock it out of the way, but instead the impact disabled the Mustang.

The suspect then took off across a field on foot but was taken into custody at gunpoint, after running for about 100 yards, by McDonald County Deputy Gary Huff who had gained access into the field with his patrol car by opening a gate.

Pierce has requested a total of 10 charges be filed in connection with the incident. He is seeking second degree assault (for striking Flanary's vehicle), resisting arrest by fleeing, driving while revoked, careless and imprudent driving, two counts of speeding, three counts of failure to stop at a stop sign and failure to drive on the right half of the roadway.