The Chase Begins
In the early hours of a cool Missouri night, the hum of routine radio chatter shifted to something different — tense, clipped voices breaking through static. A silver Nissan Altima, plates TMX X-ray David 0581 from Texas, had caught the attention of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H. What began as a cautious tail from St. Joseph would soon turn into a multi-county pursuit spanning miles of highway, tense coordination, and a suspect spiraling into fear and confusion.
At first, Trooper 1328’s voice was calm. “I’ve not lit it up yet,” he told dispatch, a phrase meaning he hadn’t activated his lights or attempted a stop. “Single male occupant. Trying to mitigate him exiting Dearborn.” His words carried the steady patience of a trooper balancing caution and urgency — waiting for backup, waiting for the right moment.
Across the radio, other troopers fell into rhythm. “We’ll attach to the incident,” said another from Troop A. County agencies were notified; roads were mapped, distances estimated. But even before the flashing lights came on, everyone on the frequency seemed to sense where the night was headed.
A Calculated Wait
In police work, timing can mean the difference between a safe stop and a dangerous chase. Trooper 1328 trailed the Nissan as it moved southbound on I-29, approaching the Dearborn exit. The driver, unaware — or perhaps too aware — of the cruiser behind him, maintained a steady 46 miles per hour.
