Mississippi County man arrested after ATV traffic stop

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- An East Prairie, Missouri, man faces felony charges in Mississippi County after he fled a traffic stop on an all-terrain vehicle last week.

The incident took place July 1 evening, when deputy Cory Hutcheson observed a four-wheeler traveling on County Road 525, south of East Prairie.

Sheriff Keith Moore said the ATV was driven by Colby Dean Durst, 27, whom Hutcheson knew did not have a valid driver's license. An unidentified female passenger was with Durst.

As Hutcheson initiated a traffic stop, Durst reportedly fled on the gravel road at more than 60 mph, driving into a fence row and then into a corn field. A few minutes later, the ATV emerged from the field covered with broken corn stalks and driven by the female, with Durst as the passenger.

Hutcheson again initiated a traffic stop on the ATV and identified the driver. She had a valid license, but was issued a citation for operating an all-terrain vehicle on a public roadway, Moore said in a news release.

Then, on receiving confirmation Durst's license was revoked, Hutcheson placed him under arrest.

Durst is charged with driving while revoked/suspended and resisting arrest by fleeing in a motor vehicle. Both are felonies punishable by up to four years in prison.