High-speed chase ends in Dexter

DEXTER, Mo. -- For the second time in as many months, a high-speed pursuit started on south Highway 25 and ended in Dexter.

Wendall J. Coleman, 50, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, was driving a silver 2014 Chevrolet Camaro on Friday night and initially was pursued by the Senath Police Department for speeding, according to a police report.

Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper J.K. Brooks reported attempting to stop Coleman south of Bernie, Missouri. Coleman was driving 130 mph through Bernie, which has a posted speed limit of 35 mph, the report says.

Brooks activated his emergency equipment, and Coleman still refused to stop. During the pursuit, other police agencies became involved, including the Kennett Police Department, Dunklin County Sheriff's Department, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department and Dexter Police Department.

The pursuit ended shortly after a tire deflation device disabled one of Coleman's tires on Highway 25 just south of Business Highway 60 in Dexter.

Coleman continued driving north until he lost control of the vehicle, continued through a median and crashed into a "wrong way" sign, according to the report. Deputy James Powers saw Coleman get out of the vehicle and run west from the scene.

Coleman was charged with driving while intoxicated (drugs), felony resisting arrest by fleeing, careless and imprudent driving, exceeding the posted speed limit (26 mph or more), failure to drive on the right half of the road and not wearing a seat belt.

Pertinent address:

Dexter, Mo.

Bernie, Mo.