Sedalia Police officers are seeking a suspect in a shooting incident that occurred early Sunday morning.
According to a Sedalia Police Department news release, at 1:35 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the area of Sixth Street and Kentucky Avenue when they heard a single gunshot. A vehicle was seen fleeing from the area, and after hearing three more shots, officers were able to locate the vehicle and a pursuit ensued.
The suspect vehicle did not stop for officers, who had activated their vehicles’ emergency lights and sirens, and the vehicle continued outside the city limits where it traveled into a field and the driver fled on foot.
SPD Sgt. Kelley Casto with the Criminal Investigations Bureau said so far no injuries have been reported in the shooting incident but there was some property damage to a vehicle.
“We have not had any victims of the shooting come forward, even though we know that (the suspect) did shoot at some people, but when officers got on scene, no one came forward as a victim,” Casto told the Democrat.
The driver, identified by officers as Timothy R. Smith, 28, was not caught by officers, but two other subjects, including Jordan Rhoades, were arrested.
“They were in the vehicle with the subject,” Casto explained. “One has been released because he had some medical issues — he had jumped out of the vehicle during the pursuit, but it had been at a slow speed on Oak Grove (Lane). He had minor abrasions on his body, and he was fine afterwards. There was a female (Rhoades) arrested who was put in jail that we have on a 24-hour hold right now.”
Police are seeking charges against Smith of first degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and property damage.
Casto said this isn’t Smith’s first encounter with local law enforcement.
“He’s been involved in other shooting incidents in the past, this isn’t the first one for this suspect,” Casto said. “In the past he has been known to be armed and dangerous so we caution everyone if they see him, don’t approach him, call the Sedalia Police or your local law enforcement agency and let us know where they see him. We’re definitely trying to get some people to come forward, any witnesses and victims that may be out there. Even if they weren’t injured, if they were one of the people he shot at, they will still be considered a victim.”
Casto said they are unsure where Smith could be, so they are asking for the public’s assistance. Any witnesses or victims of this incident, or any citizens who see Smith or hear of his location are encouraged to contact the Sedalia Police Department at 660-826-8100.
