Charges filed against man arrested after I-55 chase

An East Prairie, Mo., man is accused of leading police on a chase down Interstate 55 on Tuesday night, reaching 100 mph.

Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force officers suspected James Powers, 27, was carrying materials to manufacture methamphetamine, said Cpl. Jason Selzer, Cape Girardeau Police Department spokesman.

Officers pulled Powers over in the Cape Girardeau Honda lot on Siemers Drive about 6 p.m., Selzer said.

"When the officers got out and approached the vehicle, the driver accelerated, almost hitting one of the task force officers," Selzer said.

Powers got on the interstate traveling south in a Dodge Durango. He drove off the road, struck a ditch and drove through a field to Highway E, Selzer said.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said his deputies were posted at the Benton, Mo., exit, but the driver went off the interstate before reaching it.

Walter said the state highway patrol contacted the owner of the vehicle, Powers' father. Using a cell phone, the father contacted Powers, who then turned himself in at 9 p.m. to authorities in Advance, Mo., Walter said.

Powers faces felony charges for attempting to hit an officer with his vehicle and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. He also faces misdemeanor charges for driving with a revoked license.

Powers pleaded guilty in 2003 to felony charges for possession of a controlled substance.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

Interstate 55 Cape Girardeau, MO