Jefferson City man captured after fleeing from police

Jefferson City police block a city street. (News Tribune file photo)
Jefferson City police block a city street. (News Tribune file photo)

A Jefferson City man was apprehended Tuesday evening after he led police on a car chase, abandoned his vehicle and ran into a residential neighborhood.

Jefferson City police report the chase began in the 800 block of Stadium Boulevard when an officer tried to pull over a Ford sedan for a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield and continued eastbound on Stadium to Lafayette Street where he drove northbound to East High Street. He then traveled eastbound on High Street, northbound on Benton Street, westbound on Capitol Avenue and southbound on Dawson Street.

The car stopped in front of 208 Dawson Street, where the driver fled on foot between homes. Officers detained a passenger who had remained in the vehicle and set up a perimeter to search for the fleeing man.

A police dog was brought to the scene and tracked the suspect to a location where he was resting against the side of a home. Police claim the dog's handler released the dog to help take the man into custody after he failed to follow police commands. 

The suspect, identified as Charles Davis Jr., 35, was captured and treated at the scene by emergency personnel for a bite to his ankle. 

Police allege their search of Davis uncovered methamphetamine, heroin, a digital scale, numerous empty baggies and approximately $500 of cash. Davis is being held in the Cole County Jail while authorities pursue charges for the narcotics and resisting arrest.

The passenger in the vehicle, who is its owner, was released at the scene.