High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest of Wanted Felon in St. Francois County

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Felony charges are pending against Lucas Wampler after a high speed police chase spanning two counties ended with the arrest of a wanted felon Monday evening.

At approximately 5:15 p.m., a St. Francois County Deputy spotted Wampler driving about a mile north of Bonne Terre. Knowing Wampler had an active felony warrant issued by the Missouri Department of Probation and Parole, the Deputy attempted a traffic stop. Wampler refused to comply, accelerating south on US Highway 67 before turning east on Highway K toward Ste. Genevieve County. The pursuit reached speeds of over 100 mph as Wampler continued east onto Highway C, heading toward Highway 32. Law enforcement in Ste. Genevieve County responded quickly, deploying stop sticks just before Wampler reached Highway 32. The maneuver successfully disabled the vehicle, and Wampler surrendered to St. Francois County Deputies without further incident.

A search of Wampler’s vehicle led to the discovery of suspected fentanyl. He was transported to the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department on his existing warrant.