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.
