53-mile chase through Mid-Missouri ends with St. Louis man's arrest

James Hunt Jr.
James Hunt Jr.

A St. Louis man wanted for a felony parole violation and other charges led Boone County sheriff's deputies and law enforcement officers from several other Mid-Missouri agencies on a high-speed chase from Columbia to Jefferson City early Thursday morning.

James Hunt Jr., 31, ran a red light at the intersection of Conley Road and U.S. 63 South at about 12:35 a.m., according to Boone County Sheriff's Department reports.

A deputy attempted to stop Hunt on U.S. 63, but he accelerated away, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph and nearly struck an Ashland Police Department vehicle. Hunt got off of U.S. 63 and went west through Ashland on Route M then along River Road before eventually heading back to U.S. 63 and going south into Jefferson City.

Hunt eventually stopped at a dead end in the 2300 block of Jefferson Street, where he was taken into custody. The pursuit lasted approximately 45 minutes and covered 53 miles.

Inside Hunt's vehicle, deputies reportedly recovered a loaded Glock pistol stolen in St. Louis.

Hunt was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault, stealing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, careless/imprudent driving, failing to stop for a red light and driving without a valid license. Hunt also faces domestic violence-related charges from the city of Columbia.

He is being held without bond in the Boone County Detention Center.