120-mph chase ends in W.S.

An Arnold, Mo. man remains in custody after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through two counties, eventually fleeing on foot inside fenced city-owned compound enclosing both city hall and the police station.

 

William J. Warfel, 24, was pulled over for speeding by Trooper Benjamin Swink on August 18 at approximately 2:00 p.m. Originally clocked at 81 mph, Warfel first fled from Swink at speeds up to 112 mph before pulling over on US Highway 60 at Rte. AM. 

 

Warfel was wearing a full-face mask, or balaclava, when Swink approached the vehicle, and drove off after being asked to exit the car. 

 

Swink gave pursuit as Warfel wove in and out of traffic in Texas County, passing on the shoulder, and reaching speeds of 120 mph, according to court documents. 

 

Warfel took the north junction exit in Willow Springs. Local police joined the pursuit as the vehicle continued into the former MODOT parking area and then turned southbound onto Tenth Street. Warfel pulled into the compound of city departments on Main Street, including Willow Springs Police Department. Warfel stopped the car behind the water department, and Assistant Chief Ryan Boyle initiated a foot pursuit. The suspect was armed with a handgun, according to a WSPD release. 

 

Warfel was taken into custody without incident. 

 

Police recovered a 9mm handgun during the arrest, and a search of the vehicle revealed a substantial amount of controlled substances including methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

 

Officers also recovered a large bucket containing approximately $2,000 or more in quarters. The money was later determined to have been stolen from a laundry facility in West Plains.

 

Warfel and a female in the vehicle were detained as part of the investigation. Both occupants were identified as being from the St. Louis area. The individuals had reportedly been visiting in West Plains and indicated they had become lost in the area prior to the driver fleeing from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

 

Warfel faces four felony charges, but the woman has not been charged as of press time. Charges of unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, and two counts of felony drug possession were filed on August 19. The Honorable Melissa Stewart set the bond at $100,000, and on August 20, the accused pled not guilty. The matter is scheduled for a counsel status hearing on August 24 in Howell County courts. 

 

“The Willow Springs Police Department would like to recognize the officers involved for their quick response, coordination, and professionalism during this incident. The successful apprehension of an armed suspect in a populated area was the result of effective teamwork between the Willow Springs Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol,” reads the release from WSPD.