*Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson*

Nearly a year after the implementation of Valentine’s Law, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office reports that 76 cases have been filed under the new statute, averaging one case every four days since it took effect on August 28, 2024.

Valentine’s Law, named in honor of Detective Antonio Valentine—who was killed during a high-speed pursuit in St. Louis County—targets individuals who flee from law enforcement in a motor vehicle at high speeds or in a manner that poses a substantial risk of death or serious injury. The law classifies such offenses as Class D felonies, but the charges escalate to a Class B felony if someone is injured and a Class A felony if someone is killed as a result of the pursuit.

In the first eleven months of the law’s enforcement, five defendants have been sentenced, with prison terms ranging from three to ten years. Of those, four were involved in vehicle crashes during their attempts to escape, while one was apprehended after police used tire deflation devices.

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson emphasized the serious risks posed by fleeing suspects. “It is unacceptable for someone to endanger our community and law enforcement officers in an attempt to escape a traffic stop,” Thompson said. “Not only do they put innocent lives at risk — they only make their situation worse.”

Under Valentine’s Law, convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison, with no eligibility for probation or parole.

“Our goal is to hold offenders accountable and send an unmistakable message that dangerous criminal conduct carries serious consequences,” Thompson added. “I commend Missouri state officials for providing us with an additional tool to keep Clay County safe. Public safety requires all levels of government working together.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

A Kansas City man is facing serious charges after a high-speed chase and armed standoff brought traffic to a halt on Interstate 35 near Liberty on Friday, June 27. The dramatic incident ended with the suspect falling asleep during a standoff and being taken into custody.

Clay County prosecutors have charged 65-year-old Larry M. Finley with aggravated fleeing a stop under Missouri’s Valentine’s Law, which increases penalties for dangerous behavior during police pursuits. According to court records filed Saturday, June 28, the charges stem from a chaotic series of events that unfolded the previous day and endangered multiple drivers.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident began around 2:45 p.m. on June 27, when deputies attempted to stop a gray Chevrolet Impala near Missouri Highway 69 and Lightburne Street. The license plate appeared to have been tampered with, raising suspicions.

When officers pulled behind the vehicle, Finley allegedly swerved into another lane, attempting to block law enforcement by using other vehicles as cover. Deputies initiated a traffic stop, but the situation quickly escalated.

Finley stopped briefly near Nebo Hills Road, where he claimed to have recently purchased the vehicle. He began to retrieve the car title but abruptly shoved the document back into a red backpack and refused to provide further paperwork. Moments later, he shifted the car into drive and fled the scene, prompting a high-speed chase.

According to the sheriff’s office, Finley reached speeds nearing 120 mph in zones marked 45 mph. He reportedly ran a red light and narrowly missed multiple vehicles. Deputies deployed tire deflation devices near I-35 and Lightburne Street, which were partially successful, but Finley continued to drive with damaged tires unraveling into traffic.

The pursuit briefly paused near Missouri 291 Highway, where a female passenger exited the vehicle. However, Finley sped off again, running over a second set of spike strips.

Citing the increasing threat to public safety, law enforcement officers performed a tactical maneuver to disable the vehicle. Once stopped, Finley refused to exit and instead held a knife to his own neck, prompting a full shutdown of I-35 in both directions. The standoff led to multiple traffic crashes in the surrounding area as drivers attempted to navigate the gridlock.

The Sheriff’s Office said the passenger cooperated with authorities and revealed that Finley had multiple outstanding warrants and was determined not to be taken “without a fight.” She also disclosed that they had been on their way to deliver narcotics north of the Missouri River.

Eventually, after several hours, Finley fell asleep inside the vehicle. Law enforcement safely apprehended him without further incident.

Finley now faces prosecution under Valentine’s Law, which was enacted to impose harsher penalties on individuals who endanger others during police pursuits. Additional charges related to drug trafficking and resisting arrest may also follow as the investigation continues.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.