Deputy, Suspect injured in car chase

A man being pursued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and a deputy from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department were injured in a high-speed car chase Friday afternoon on U.S. 63.

Deputy Adam Burks was treated and released from University Hospital with “bumps and bruises,” Major Tom Reddin said.

Russel T. Catron, a 22-year-old Columbia man, who police said was driving the pursued car, was taken to University Hospital and is being treated for injuries sustained in the accident.

The chase started at Westbrook Drive and U.S. 63 when a state trooper clocked Catron’s car traveling at more than 90 mph, Reddin said. The trooper pursued the car north on U.S. 63.

Burks was standing on the shoulder putting down stop strips, which puncture tires to slowly release air, when Catron drove his car off the road then back onto the ramp, striking the back of Burks’ car. Burks managed to jump onto the hood of his car to avoid being hit.

Reddin said Catron could face a “multitude” of charges in connection with the chase and crash but that the investigation was ongoing Friday evening.