February 9, 2018 – A suspect led multiple law enforcement agencies in a high-speed chase that exceeded speeds of 100 mph before finally being captured Tuesday, Feb. 6.
After failing to stop to Excelsior Springs Police Department officers on a routine traffic stop at 11:15 a.m., Christian C. Uftring, 25, of Independence, fled from Clay County Sheriff’s deputies, Kearney Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s deputies.
When Clinton County deputies joined the chase, Uftring was seen driving into oncoming traffic in an attempt to strike a Clay County Sheriff’s vehicle near PP Hwy. and I-35. During the pursuit, the suspect repeatedly used his 1997 Ford F-150 as a weapon, forcing multiple vehicles off the roadway.
According to probable cause documents released by Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Uftring failed to maintain the right half of roadway and failed to stop at a stop sign before traveling on 33 Hwy. through Holt at over 100 mph.
Uftring forced another vehicle off the roadway and into a ditch just south of Holt city limits on 33 Hwy., before he drove the vehicle through a ditch, striking a telephone pole and then a tree before coming to a stop.
Uftring was taken into custody and transported to Clinton County Jail, where he was held on a 24—hour hold until charges were brought against him. According to the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s page, one witness said the chase was “better than Live PD on A&E.”
After Uftring was arrested, deputies determined his Kansas driver’s license was suspended, and he had four active warrants.
At his arraignment on Wednesday, Feb. 7, Uftring pled not guilty to three charges from Clinton County: felony charge of resisting arrest, misdemeanor charge of exceeding posted speed limit and misdemeanor charge of driving while revoked/suspended—first offense.
Uftring remains in custody in Plattsburg at Clinton County Detention Center awaiting his next hearing, Wednesday, Feb. 14.