Driver escapes after early morning car chase

Cape Girardeau police pursued a car at speeds of up to 80 mph early Wednesday before discontinuing the chase on Old Sprigg Street Road. Lt. Barry Hovis said an officer became suspicious of a vehicle leaving the Quality Car Wash driveway at 1354 Mount Auburn Road at a high rate of speed at about 4 a.m. The driver was fishtailing and spinning the tires, Hovis said. The officer attempted to stop the driver by turning on the squad siren and lights, but the driver only increased speed, running several stop signs. Police pursued the driver onto Oak Lei Road, where the vehicle crashed through a gate onto Old Sprigg Street Road, Hovis said. When speeds reached what the officer considered to be unsafe, he discontinued the pursuit, Hovis said. The vehicle was described a dark, possibly black, older model Nissan Pathfinder or a Toyota-type sport utility vehicle. Police returned to the car wash to inspect for possible break in or burglary, but found the site secure, Hovis said. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 332-0500 or the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.