Two Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit Through Pettis County

Sedalia man and Columbia juvenile led authorities on a chase in a stolen vehicle before crashing and fleeing on foot.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A high-speed chase through Pettis County, Missouri ended with the arrest of a Sedalia man and a Columbia juvenile after they fled from deputies in a stolen vehicle, reaching speeds over 90 mph and crashing through fences and fields before the driver fled on foot.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the challenges law enforcement face in apprehending suspects who refuse to pull over, putting the public at risk. It also raises questions about juvenile crime and the need for stronger measures to address vehicle theft and property damage.

The details

According to the Pettis County Sheriff's Department, deputies spotted a stolen vehicle traveling north near Highway M and Pleasant Hill Road. When they attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped away, reaching speeds over 90 mph. The chase continued for several miles, with the vehicle avoiding stop sticks and becoming airborne at one point, striking a mailbox and trash can. The driver then drove through an open field, crashing through a barbed wire fence, a ditch, and a cattle panel before striking a tree. The passenger, 21-year-old Jayden Kuhne of Sedalia, was arrested at the scene, but the driver, a juvenile male from Columbia, fled on foot. A K-9 unit was deployed, and the juvenile was apprehended a short time later in a nearby wooded area.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • The high-speed chase began around 5:30 pm local time.

The players

Jayden Kuhne

A 21-year-old Sedalia resident who was the passenger in the stolen vehicle and was arrested at the scene.

Juvenile Male

A juvenile from Columbia, Missouri who was the driver of the stolen vehicle and fled on foot before being apprehended by authorities.

Pettis County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that initiated the pursuit and made the arrests.

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What’s next

The Juvenile Office will submit charges against the underage driver, and Jayden Kuhne is facing felony charges for tampering with a motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing, and property damage.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger measures to address vehicle theft and property damage, as well as the importance of law enforcement training and policies to minimize the risks of high-speed pursuits to the public.