Man steals golf cart, swims from cops

Zachariah Wayne McReynolds
Zachariah Wayne McReynolds

A theft suspect led police on a chase in a stolen vehicle, on foot and into Morningside Lake early Thursday morning, according to the Fulton Police Department.

He then told police he was his brother, the FPD reported.

Fulton police officers responded to an address at 1:35 a.m. Thursday on Gross Place (near the Fulton Country Club) following the report of a theft in progress. The victim told police the suspect, later identified as Zachariah Wayne McReynolds, of Fulton, had stolen a golf cart and struck the golf cart's owner with it. McReynolds fled on foot, and officers began a search for him.

Officers found McReynolds in another vehicle he had stolen. The 37-year-old did not yield for emergency vehicles and led police on a brief chase before stopping and running away on foot once more, police stated.

According to the arrest report, McReynolds ran through a heavily wooded area, emerging on the banks of Morningside Lake.

"Once at the lake, McReynolds went into the lake, but was unable to swim very far," the arrest report continued. "McReynolds swam back to the bank, and officers were able to make the arrest."

McReynolds was arrested for two counts of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, second-degree assault, second-degree property damage, resisting arrest, misdemeanor stealing and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

McReynolds initially gave his brother's name and date of birth to police, Lt. Bill Ladwig said. After fingerprinting, police discovered his true identity. Police determined he was under a Montgomery County probation violation warrant. McReynolds will face a forgery charge for signing documents with his brother's identity, Ladwig said.

He was taken to the Callaway County Jail to be held without bond.