Police: Saulbeamer a Suspect in Additional Motor Vehicle Thefts

Sedalia Police say that a 17-year-old who was arrested on January 23 after a police chase is a suspect in multiple motor vehicles thefts in Pettis County.

According to Sedalia Police, an officer attempted to stop a 2006 Chevy Colorado at 9:20 p.m. on January 22 near 6th and Park. The vehicle eluded the officer for several blocks before stopping at 4th and Carr. The driver fled on foot and police were unable to locate him. A juvenile female in the vehicle was taken to the police station and turned over to a guardian.

The next morning, around 6:15, police were called to the 2700 block of Wing Ave. on a report of a stolen Chevy Impala that the owner had left running and warming up. Officers were told that a maroon Chevrolet Monte Carlo was seen in the area driving slowly just prior to the theft. Police found the Monte Carlo, and discovered that it had been reported stolen from another location in the county.

At 8:20 a.m., a Sedalia officer saw the stolen Impala near 32nd and Grand.  Police attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The suspect eventually bailed out of the vehicle at 28th and Jerome and fled on foot. Police eventually caught up with the suspect and arrested 17-year-old Gunner A. Saulbeamer of Sedalia. Two occupants of the vehicle were juveniles and were released to their parents. Police say an adult, who was not identified, was also in the vehicle.

Police are seeking charges from the state prosecutor for:

Two counts of stealing a motor vehicle

Two charges of resisting arrest

Two charges of second degree endangering the welfare of a child

Police say they believe Saulbeamer may be involved in other motor vehicle thefts in the county. The Sedalia Police Department and the Pettis County Sheriff's Office are investigating.