Three individuals were captured by Osage County deputies last Thursday following a pursuit from Jefferson City. Taken into custody were Marvin O. Hardin, 25, who is on probation for robbery and armed criminal action, the driver of the vehicle, and passengers, Robert T. Jackson, 31, and Christopher J. Clinton, 42, who is on probation for narcotics. All are from St. Louis.
Cpt. Travis Shaffer said the department was notified that a silver BMW was traveling toward Osage County at a high rate of speed. It was later learned that the vehicle was reportedly stolen.
“We were all in the Linn area, traveling toward the Cole County line,” said Shaffer. “We had just finished tactical training so everyone was in the area. It was the perfect time for us in terms of being able to stop these individuals.”
The vehicle stopped near Rt. BB at Loose Creek and the suspects had fled on foot.
Shaffer said he and other deputies approached the vehicle and were planning to help process it for evidence when things changed.
“A black male came out of the woods and was filming us with a cell phone,” said Shaffer. “He claimed to be there visiting his aunt, which we investigated and found to be untrue.”
He was taken into custody.
Cpl. Coby Holzschuh coordinated the search for the Highway Patrol.
A search of nearby properties for the suspects was conducted with a perimeter established to contain them. K-9 Zed was sent to the scene, along with a search dog from Jefferson City.
A call was received indicating two black males were located at a residence with a mother and two children at home.
Deputy Herndon responded to the area and located the two males, holding them at gunpoint until backup arrived.
Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.
“Everyone involved did a phenomenal job, to coordinate everything and take the suspects into custody without incident,” said Shaffer. “Thankfully, no one was hurt during this situation.”
Shaffer said it appears this is part of a larger vehicle-theft ring out of the St. Louis area.
All three suspects were transferred to the Jefferson City Police Department, which also impounded the stolen vehicle.
Shaffer said there may be charges filed here.