Man injured during police pursuit in Sikeston

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A foot pursuit early Thursday morning led to a man's arrest and hospitalization after he was struck by a police car.

Police were patrolling South Kingshighway in response to recent theft reports when they saw a man walking through residences' backyards, said spokesman Sgt. Jim McMillen. The man gave police a false name.

"When the officers confronted the man about his true identity, the subject ran south from police," McMillen said.

Officers pursued the man between the homes on foot while others in patrol cars attempted to head him off a few blocks south, McMillen said. An officer in one of the patrol vehicles soon found the suspect running south near Lescher Street, and the officer followed him in a grassy area near Central Park.

"During the chase the man somehow fell and was injured by the patrol car," McMillen said. "It is believed that some portion of the vehicle may have rolled over the man."

The man was taken to Missouri Delta Medical Center, where he was treated and released, after which he was arrested and later released with a court date.