High-Speed Chase in Jackson County Ends with K-9 Apprehension

A late-night patrol in the Fairplain area of Jackson County escalated into a high-speed chase and a K-9 apprehension when a reckless driver attempted to evade law enforcement. At around 1:17 a.m., an officer spotted a black Chevrolet Colorado entering a closed auto repair business. Suspecting something was amiss, the officer began to investigate, but the driver quickly exited the lot and sped away onto Angel Ridge Road.

The officer activated emergency lights and sirens, but the driver refused to pull over, continuing to drive recklessly along the narrow roadway. The pursuit continued until the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Kelly Joe Meadows, abandoned the moving vehicle near the 2800 block of Angel Ridge and fled into the woods.

In response, the officer deployed his K-9 partner, Rex, after issuing verbal warnings to the suspect. Meadows was eventually found trying to climb a tree, and Rex successfully apprehended him until law enforcement could take him into custody. Meanwhile, a second man, David Michael Shinn, was located inside the crashed vehicle but was later determined to have no involvement in the chase and provided a statement regarding the incident.

Following the apprehension, Meadows was transported to Jackson General Hospital for medical clearance due to reported seizure activity and injuries incurred during the arrest. He disclosed that he has epilepsy and had not taken his medication before the incident. After being read his Miranda rights, Meadows claimed he could not recall any details of the event.

Authorities confirmed all criminal activity occurred within Jackson County's jurisdiction, and charges against Meadows are pending as the investigation is ongoing.