CARTHAGE, Mo. — An attempted traffic stop by Carthage Police officers yesterday (5/24) led to the pursuit of a vehicle with three people inside. The driver was traveling at a high rate of speed, while breaking numerous traffic laws and endangering the lives of other motorists, police say.
Just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (5/24), officers with the Carthage Police Department attempted to stop a silver SUV with three people inside, near the 300 block of North Garrison. Police say the SUV failed to maintain lanes, and did not stop at a stop sign — warranting the traffic stop.
Carthage Police Department Lieutenant, Eric Miller, said while officers were attempting to make the traffic stop, the suspect vehicle took off — heading east on Highway 96, while going through multiple stop signs at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour. The SUV came to a stop several miles east of Carthage, near the intersection of County Road 100 and Locust Road. That’s where authorities say two of the three suspects took off on foot.
With help from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, all three suspects were eventually located and arrested without incident. Authorities were able to locate the remaining subject at large around 7:00 p.m., and took him into custody.
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Those arrested include Jorge Bernave, 27, charged with DWI and resisting arrest. Yolonda Sells, 40, charged with resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance, and Michael Markham, 42, charged with being a fugitive from out of state for violating probation.
All three are currently in the Jasper County Jail. No injuries occurred from Wednesday’s pursuit.