Two individuals remain on the loose after what appeared to be a routine traffic stop Saturday night escalated into a chase, a crash, and the disappearance of the subjects involved.
A Holts Summit police officer attempted to stop a Red 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer for a minor traffic offense at approximately 9:15 p.m.
After initially stopping on Julie Lane, just south of Van Horn Road, the vehicle quickly sped away from the traffic stop.
The officer involved briefly pursued the vehicle, but due to limited visibility because of heavy fog, the officer terminated the pursuit. While checking the area for the vehicle, the officer was flagged down and advised that the vehicle had crashed into a deck attached to a residence in the 200 block of Jefferson Road.
The officer was also advised that two African-American males were seen running from the vehicle following the crash.
Officers recovered a loaded shotgun from the vehicle, and two loaded handguns were located nearby.
Numerous witnesses saw the two subjects run into the tree line near the residence; however, officers were unable to locate the subjects.
The vehicle was later reported stolen to the Jefferson City Police Department.
The Holts Summit Police Department was assisted in their search by the Callaway County Sheriff's Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and New Bloomfield Police Department.
The incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Holts Summit Police Department at 573-896-4678.
For individuals wishing to remain anonymous, they can contact Callaway County Crime Stoppers at 573-592-2474.