High-speed pursuit ends in Helena, suspect in custody

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A high-speed chase involving a stolen car with a dog inside ended on the Cedar Street overpass in Helena, Montana, with a suspect, Joseph Wayne Seymour, being taken into custody. The incident began with the theft of a vehicle, followed by an attempted kidnapping, and a pursuit reaching speeds over 100 mph through the city and into East Helena before police were able to stop the vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of high-speed chases and the potential for serious harm to the public when suspects flee from law enforcement. It also raises concerns about the safety of leaving pets unattended in vehicles, as well as the broader issue of property crime and public safety in the Helena area.

The details

According to court documents, the incident began around 2:15 pm when Helena police were dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle with a dog inside. Around 15 minutes later, police received a call about a man trying to gain entry to a locked business, and shortly after 3 pm, a report of an attempted kidnapping near the railroad crossing on Carter Drive. The suspect, Joseph Wayne Seymour, was allegedly driving the stolen vehicle and approached a woman, grabbing her and telling her to get in. She was able to free herself and call for help. Police located the stolen vehicle around 3:50 pm and a high-speed chase ensued, with speeds reaching over 100 mph through Helena and into East Helena before a successful PIT maneuver on the Cedar Street overpass brought the vehicle to a stop and Seymour was taken into custody.

• At 2:15 pm, Helena police were dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle with a dog inside.
• Around 15 minutes later, police received a call about a man trying to gain entry to a locked business.
• Shortly after 3 pm, police received a report of an attempted kidnapping near the railroad crossing on Carter Drive.
• Around 3:50 pm, police located the stolen vehicle near the 3600 block of US Highway 12.
• The high-speed chase ended on the Cedar Street interstate overpass.

What’s next

Seymour is expected to make his initial appearance in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court on Monday afternoon, where charges related to the stolen vehicle, attempted kidnapping, and high-speed chase will be addressed.