Deputies Arrest Hit and Run Suspect

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office reports that an alleged car thief and dangerous driver was apprehended shortly after 2 pm Tuesday, March 8.

Jimmy Sonneveldt remains in-custody at the Clay County Detention Center on a $75,000.00 bond

Clay County deputies were dispatched to a hit and run crash at 92 Highway and Mt. Olivet, but by the time they arrived on the scene the driver had fled the scene.

Deputies later spotted the suspect vehicle near Liberty and determined it was stolen. They initially pursued the vehicle and deployed Stop Stick tire deflation devices. 

As the driver continued in a reckless manner, deputies stopped pursuing the vehicle. Even with deputies no longer in pursuit, the suspect driver ran through red lights and caused another crash. 

Additional Stop Sticks completely removed the suspect’s rear tires. Deputies were able stop the suspect on the ramp from 152 Highway to southbound I-35 and get him safely into custody. 

There were no injuries in this incident. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Kansas City Police Department and Liberty Police Department assisted in the apprehension of the suspect.

On March 9, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced that Jimmy Sonneveldt, 32 years of age, was charged by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office with the following:

Count 1: Tampering with a Motor Vehicle - 1st Degree, Class D Felony.
Count 2: Leaving the scene of an accident-Property Damage, causing $1,000.00 or more, Class E Felony.
Count 3: Resisting Arrest by fleeing, Class E Felony.
Count 4: Leaving the scene of an accident-Property Damage, causing $1,000.00 or more, Class E Felony.

Sonneveldt remains in-custody at the Clay County Detention Center on a $75,000.00 bond. Sonneveldt was just released from the Missouri Department of Corrections on Parole approximately two weeks ago.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story