Two people were injured following a motorcycle crash after they left a gas station without paying for their fuel leading to a pursuit by law enforcement.
According to an incident report from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Wednesday afternoon after the motorcycle driven by 41-year-old Lucas Smith of Collins, Iowa reportedly left the Jordan Grocery without paying for $10.72 in fuel.
The responding sheriff’s deputy observed the motorcycle with two occupants traveling north on Highway 5 South near the intersection with County Road 305. As he passed the motorcycle, he observed Smith “cut his eyes” at him and appeared to be looking in the mirror at the officer.
The officer turned to follow the motorcycle, and it began to accelerate in speed as if trying to allude the patrol unit. The pursuit continued with the motorcycle reaching an estimated speed of 75 to 80 miles per hour.
As the motorcycle approached a right-hand curve, the officer observed a large cloud of dust and the vehicle swerve to the wrong side of the road. He then saw Smith and his passenger, Shelby Kirchgatter of Cylinder, Iowa, getting up off the ground.
Both occupants of the motorcycle were transported by ambulance to Baxter Regional Medical Center. Kirchgatter was treated for minor injuries. However, Smith was transferred to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for what were reported as “serious injuries.”
Upon questioning, Kirchgatter denied any knowledge of the fuel not being paid for, saying she thought Smith had covered the cost.
A driver’s license check of Smith revealed it was suspended in Iowa, and he is wanted for a parole violation in the same state. In addition, the motorcycle was also reported stolen in Iowa.
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