Drunken semi driver leads Lawrence County deputies, Highway Patrol troopers on chase

(From the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)

This weekend, Deputy Conner Anderson worked a DWI Enforcement detail looking for impaired drivers.

 

While in this detail, Deputy Anderson received notifications that a tractor trailer unit was reported as driving very carelessly traveling east on I-44 from Jasper County.

In fact, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Dispatch had received several dozen calls about this particular vehicle swerving and almost hitting other motorists.

Deputy Anderson located the vehicle as it entered Lawrence County and began following the tractor trailer. In just a short time, the tractor trailer had nearly struck three additional vehicles and was continuing to swerve from side to side.

 
Seeing that the situation was getting even more dangerous, Deputy Anderson activated his lights and siren to stop the vehicle. Unfortunately, the semi did not stop. The semi continued at speeds above the posted speed limit and began swerving at vehicles.

Other deputies and troopers joined the attempt to stop the semi. The semi continued east bound where it struck a bridge nearly losing control and going over the bridge a few miles down the road.

After striking the bridge, the driver finally slowed to a stop near the 44-mile marker. Unfortunately, the incident didn't end there. The driver refused to comply with lawful commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies also noticed that there was a dangerous weapon within reach of the driver.

Still not complying the driver was tased and deputies took him into custody without further incident. The suspect was transported to the Lawrence County Jail where he faces a multitude of charges including Driving While Intoxicated.

This was not Deputy Anderson's first DWI arrest this weekend. What makes this arrest more amazing is that deputies and troopers were able to stop this 80,000-pound missile from continuing down a busy interstate and potentially killing an entire family.

Thank you, Deputy Anderson and all those involved for your diligence in removing impaired drivers from our roadways.

Remember, if you Drink and Drive you WILL Lose! Please don't make a stupid decision that will affect you and others for the rest of your life.