PERRYVILLE – The Perryville Police Department has released more information about Monday’s chase of a suspect in a stolen vehicle case. The chase eventually made its way to Perry County School District No. 32 property and forced a brief lockdown of the campus.
It began about 1232 p.m. when Perryville police officers were dispatched to Bening Ford located at 909 S. Perryville Blvd. to investigate the theft of a car from the lot.
The suspect, a 39-year-old male who was later arrested and identified as Shane Omar James of Lesterville, MO apparently walked onto the car lot and located a 2024 Ford Mustang with the keys in the vehicle. Witnesses stated the male entered the vehicle, and upon starting it, took off south towards Interstate 55.
However, three minutes later Perryville Police Officers located the Mustang on W. St. Joseph St. near Pine St. and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. James refused to stop and attempted to elude officers. Beginning a pursuit through the downtown square, south on Main St. towards city limits and then ended up abruptly turning into the Perry County School District No. 32 campus. James led officers on a pursuit through the campus grounds before stopping and complying with officers. School official report the suspect drove in circles on Pirate field, the extent of damage has not been disclosed. It is also alleged that the suspect nearly hit a school district employee with the stolen vehicle.
James was taken into custody and transported to the Perry County Joint Justice building.
The next day a warrant was received charging James with the following: Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, a Class: D Felony; tampering With Motor Vehicle, a Class-D Felony; Property Damage 1st, Damage to Motor Vehicle w/ Intent to Steal, a Class D Felony; and Property Damage 1st a Class E Felony
The Judge issued a no bond warrant at the time, meaning James will remain in jail until there is a bond hearing.