Police arrest man accused of stealing police cruiser without incident

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- A pursuit of a stolen police vehicle ended peacefully Thursday morning.

Hayti police reported receiving a call around 6:30 a.m. from a man reporting he had been threatened with a gun. According to Hayti police chief Paul Sheckell, officers responded to investigate. While police were on the scene, Sheckell said, a man got in the police vehicle and fled the scene.

Portageville police chief Ronnie Adams said he spotted the vehicle heading north on Interstate 55 and began a pursuit. New Madrid County sheriff's deputies were notified.

At the 56-mile marker between the two New Madrid exits, officers were able to box in the vehicle, forcing the driver to stop just after 7 a.m.

The man was then arrested without incident and now is in custody of Hayti law enforcement.

Sheckell said during an interview after his arrest the man admitted it was a hoax.

"He was the guy with the gun," Sheckell said. "He ends up being the bad guy all the way around."

The police chief said charges would be filed against the man some time Thursday.

Pertinent address:

Hayti, MO

Caruthersville, MO