Poplar Bluff cop breaks leg during chase

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Authorities continue to search for a Butler County man wanted in Texas who they say led officers on vehicle and foot pursuits, resulting in an officer fracturing his leg.

About 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Poplar Bluff police officers were called to the Wal-Mart Supercenter “in reference to an individual who stole a lot of items and was leaving in a blue mini van,” said police chief Danny Whiteley. “Officer (Jim) Gerber was the first officer on the scene and saw the vehicle leaving.”

A 25-minute pursuit ensued on Poplar Bluff’s secondary streets, Business U.S. 60 and county roads, Whiteley said.

“He was driving at a very dangerous speed, very erratic, which just enhances how stupid he was,” said Whiteley, adding the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Butler County Sheriff’s Department joined in the chase.

The vehicle ran into a field north of Broseley, Missouri, and got stuck. The driver fled to a large wooded area, Whitely said.

The department’s dog was deployed, but because of the mud, water and undergrowth, the search could not continue, Whiteley said.

Officers identified the suspected driver as Jeffery Matthew Vest, 31. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 188 pounds, with dark hair and beard.

During the search, Poplar Bluff officer Bob Larkins fractured his right leg while running toward the suspect and stepping in a hole, Whitely said.

During the vehicle pursuit, “(Vest) was throwing large rocks from the driver’s window at the patrol cars behind him,” said deputy chief Donnie Trout. “He also threw a glass bottle.”

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.