Dexter police search for suspect on run

DEXTER, Mo. -- Police still were searching Tuesday for a driver who ran during a weekend vehicle stop.

According to Dexter police Lt. Larry Patterson, the department received a call from a motorist on U.S. 60 at 1:25 a.m. Sunday reporting that a silver PT Cruiser was westbound toward Dexter from Sikeston, Mo., driving erratically at excessive speed.

Five minutes after the call came in, the vehicle was stopped by police, and the driver fled. Patterson said there were no passengers in the vehicle.

When the officer lost sight of the driver, the area was cordoned off and Dexter's police dog was brought out.

Police tracked the driver to a private lake, where they believe the person jumped into or fell into the water. A boat was called from Sikeston to look for the driver, with no luck.

The PT Cruiser was later towed by Robert's Towing, where it was processed for evidence. Patterson on Monday said the vehicle is owned by a Sikeston resident and has been released to the owner.

"We are confident that there is nobody in the water, due to other leads that have developed," Patterson said.

Pertinent address:

Dexter, MO