The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has taken Joseph Christopher Roberts, age 60, of Sedalia, into custody following a coordinated investigation into a recent burglary and a subsequent vehicle pursuit that posed a serious threat to public safety.
Deputies
first began investigating Roberts after a residential burglary was reported on
May 7, 2025, in the 1000 block of North East 52 Highway in Windsor. Through
investigative leads and community collaboration, Roberts was identified as the
primary suspect responsible for the theft of tools and significant property
damage exceeding $12,000.
On June 1,
2025, at approximately 2:14 PM, Deputy Ian Murphy observed Roberts near the 500
block of West Benton in Windsor. Roberts, who had multiple outstanding felony
warrants, refused lawful commands and entered a vehicle in an attempt to flee.
As Deputy Murphy attempted to remove him from the vehicle, Roberts accelerated,
forcing the deputy to disengage to avoid being dragged. Roberts fled the scene
in a vehicle, initiating a pursuit that extended into Johnson County.
During the
pursuit, Roberts reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, drove
recklessly through traffic, and narrowly avoided a collision with an occupied
Amish buggy. He ultimately abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby
cornfield where he was apprehended without further incident by Deputy Murphy.
Roberts was
found to have four active felony warrants, including charges of forgery,
larceny, and obstruction of law enforcement. His actions throughout the
incident demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety of the public and law
enforcement officers.
Following
the investigation, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor
Gray, filed formal charges against Roberts, including:
• Assault –
2nd Degree – Special Victim (Class B Felony)
• Aggravated
Fleeing a Stop or Detention (Class D Felony)
• Driving
While Revoked/Suspended (Class E Felony)
The court
has ordered that Roberts be detained pending trial with no bond allowed.
All subjects
are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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