Man on meth arrested after stolen excavator sucked into Missouri River
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - An Independence man is behind bars after he allegedly attempted to run multiple people over with a stolen excavator before he spurred a chase and it was sucked into the Missouri River.
Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Friday, April 18, indicate that Victor E. Abel II, 40, of Independence, faces multiple charges in connection with the incident.
A probable cause statement filed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office revealed that just after 6:50 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, law enforcement officials were called to the Tri-County Water Authority at 28405 E. Blue Valley Rd. with reports of a possible hit-and-run crash.
Dispatchers told first responders that the suspect, later identified as Abel, was believed to be under the influence as he attempted to run his victims over in a Bobcat excavator. When they arrived, they learned the excavator was last seen headed east along the railroad tracks near E. Atherton Sibley and N. Blue Valley Rd.
Law enforcement officials said they spotted the excavator near the Tri-County Water Authority Facility as they realized Abel intended to drive it through a secured gate. In an attempt to stop Abel and alert workers in the area, emergency lights and sirens were activated.
Investigators noted that an employee could be seen running from the gate as Abel rammed into it with the excavator. He continued to evade law enforcement officials for about an hour before the excavator was sucked into the Missouri River. Despite this, Abel remained inside as he broke out the front glass door.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Troopers responded to the scene with a boat. Shortly after, Abel surrendered and was taken into custody. The excavator was recovered and found to have been stolen out of Sugar Creek earlier that day. Ultimately, two gates were damaged in the process, totaling $2,000.
During an interview with investigators, Abel denied that the Bobcat was stolen or that he had damaged any property. However, he did it that he had been under the influence of methamphetamine.
As a result, Abel has been charged with tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, two counts of property damage and driving while intoxicated. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 23 years behind bars and be forced to pay up to $50,000 in fines.
A bond review hearing has been set for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, with a preliminary hearing expected at 10:30 a.m. on May 19. As of Friday, April 25, he remains behind bars on a $30,000 bond. No further information has been released.
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