By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Authorities are searching for Zachery Wheeler, 5’5, 150 pounds, with dark hair, last seen wearing a black t-shirt and jeans following a high-speed pursuit on Tuesday afternoon. The chase began on Hwy. 50 in Franklin County and continued through Gasconade County and into Osage County, where deputies effectively deployed spike strips near the Hwy. 89 Spur.
Sheriff Mike Bonham said it is unknown if Wheeler is still in the area, adding he may be armed.
Wheeler lost control of his vehicle, ran off the roadway near Hwy. 89, crashed through a fence, and descended a hill. The driver and occupants immediately exited the SUV and fled into a heavily wooded area. Two female passengers in the vehicle were apprehended and are currently being detained for questioning.
Officers from Osage, Gasconade, Maries, and Cole counties, Linn Police Department, Missouri Highway Patrol, Department of Corrections, and Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force took part in the search Tuesday night.
As a precaution, due to the proximity of the search, Linn R-2 administrators locked down the school Tuesday afternoon and closed today (Wednesday) as authorities continued to search for Wheeler. St. George Catholic School was also closed today.
If you haven’t signed up for alerts, please do so at
Smart911.com. Smart911 alerts are generally for local news and information. The sheriff will use Smart911 to send updates about the incident.
“We ask that everyone remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to 911,” said Bonham.
Updates will be provided as they become available. A full story will appear in next week’s UD.
