Foot Pursuit Ends With Suspect In 15-foot Hole

Early Sunday morning just after 2 a.m., Sedalia Police initiated a traffic stop at 2nd and Missouri for a lane violation.

Once stopped, the driver got out and began walking towards officers, disobeying commands, and then walked back to the car, reaching inside.

The driver was identified as 24-year-old Rishaud Thomas Staten of Sedalia. Once Police told him they were going to frisk the vehicle, Staten took off running.

A foot pursuit of the suspect ended one block later when Staten fell in a 15-foot hole that had been dug in an alley and roped off with caution tape.

Staten was then taken into custody.

A search of the car revealed a firearm under the driver's seat.

Staten was transported to the Pettis County Jail on a 24-hour hold, pending the filing of state charges for driving while suspended, felon in possession of a firearm, and resisting arrest.

Staten was also on probation and parole for unlawful possession of a firearm.