On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, deputies with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle observed operating without license plates. The driver failed to yield and accelerated, initiating a pursuit that continued into neighboring Henry County.
With the assistance of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Midwest Missouri Career Criminal & Drug Task Force, the vehicle was successfully stopped in Deepwater, Missouri. The suspect, identified as David Leonard, was taken into custody on multiple outstanding warrants out of Henry and Barton Counties.
Following the arrest, St. Clair County deputies transferred custody of Mr. Leonard to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office for their active warrant. Formal charges related to the pursuit are currently pending in St. Clair County.
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all partner agencies for their coordinated response and continued support in keeping our communities safe.
About the Task Force:
The Midwest Missouri Career Criminal & Drug Task Force (MMCCDTF) is a joint effort of the Sheriff’s Offices of Bates, Barton, Cedar, Dade, Henry, St. Clair, and Vernon Counties, working together to combat career criminal and drug activity across west-central Missouri.
