High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Maries County After Suspect Rams Deputy’s Patrol Vehicle

A high-speed chase that began in Crawford County on September 16th ended dramatically in Maries County when the fleeing suspect, Jacob Pitucha, intentionally rammed a deputy's patrol vehicle in an attempt to evade capture.

Pitucha, who does not have a listed address, has been charged with felony driving while revoked/suspended, felony resisting arrest by fleeing and first-degree assault of a special victim.

The pursuit started in Crawford County, initiated by the Bourbon Police Department after Pitucha was reported to be posing a significant risk to the public. The chase, which reached speeds exceeding 100 mph, took a dangerous turn as the suspect drove off-road, through private property, and in the wrong direction on Interstate 44. Pitucha also managed to avoid three separate spike strip attempts before mechanical issues began to slow his vehicle as he crossed into Maries County.

Maries County Deputy Jay Yelton joined the pursuit near the Vichy area, providing backup to Crawford County officers and Missouri State Highway Patrol units. Off-duty deputies were also called in to assist in setting up further spike strip deployment to prevent the chase from entering the town of Vienna.

Deputy Dustin Roberts was assigned to deploy a spike strip at the Gasconade River Bassett Bridge on Highway 63. With his emergency lights activated, he positioned his patrol unit in the southbound lane, creating a safety barrier as he prepared to deploy spike strips in the northbound lane.

As Pitucha approached the bridge, he attempted to bypass the spike strips by ramming Deputy Roberts' patrol vehicle, aiming to squeeze between the unit and the bridge railing. Fortunately, Deputy Roberts was a safe distance away at the time and was not injured in the crash.

The collision disabled Pitucha's vehicle, and he was quickly taken into custody.

Pitucha is currently being held in the Maries County Jail without bond.