A person commits a criminal offense (crime) if they intentionally flee from a person they know or should know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. A person will be subject to higher penalties if they use a motor vehicle or watercraft while evading arrest or detention, or cause injury to another person. This criminal offense is also known as “fleeing and eluding.”
In Missouri, fleeing from a law enforcement officer who is attempting to lawfully arrest or detain an individual is a criminal offense. This is often referred to as 'fleeing and eluding.' The law stipulates that an individual must knowingly flee from someone they are aware, or should reasonably be aware, is a peace officer or federal special investigator. If the individual uses a motor vehicle or watercraft to evade arrest or detention, the penalties can be more severe. Additionally, if the act of fleeing results in injury to another person, the consequences are further heightened. The specific charges and penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the evasion, the presence of aggravating factors, and the extent of any injuries caused.