The Kirksville Police Department would like to inform residents of an arrest following a vehicle pursuit and share information on how a new law increases the consequences of fleeing a traffic stop.
At approximately 1:55 am, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, a KPD officer attempted to stop a vehicle near Missouri Highway P and US 63. This vehicle failed to stop and fled from the officer. Based on the officer’s observations, the driver appeared intoxicated. Other vehicles and agencies joined the pursuit. During this short pursuit, the suspect almost struck law enforcement vehicles and was driving erratically. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed near Cherry Lane and North Lincoln Street. The driver was identified as 20-year-old, Taylor J. Baker, of Kirksville. Baker has been charged in Adair County Court with driving while intoxicated, two counts of first-degree assault on law enforcement, property damage, and aggravated fleeing a stop or detention. The aggravated fleeing charge is now classified as a class D felony, which carries a minimum of one year in prison without probation or parole. On August 28, 2024, Valentine’s Law took effect, making it a felony to flee from law enforcement and create a risk of injury. This law was named for St. Louis County Detective Antonio Valentine, who was killed in 2021 while chasing a fleeing suspect.