West Plains, MO. – On Thursday afternoon, a multi-jurisdiction pursuit started in West Plains and ended in Seymour. The suspect, Samuel L. Houck, Jr., age 36 of West Plains, was observed by a Howell County Deputy operating a blue Chevrolet Cruze that failed to stop for a red light at Monks St. and US 63.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Houck failed to yield resulting in a pursuit at 3:35pm. Shortly after the pursuit began, West Plains Police Department advised Houck was a suspect in a robbery occurring at the Southern Hills Shopping Center. Houck fled north on US 63 at excessive speeds.
South of Willow Springs, Houck avoided two attempts by Troopers to deploy tire deflation devices. Howell County Deputies discontinued pursuit south of Willow Springs. Houck’s vehicle was reported by multiple citizens as it continued westbound on US 60 at excessive speeds.
Houck passed a Trooper’s location near Mountain Grove at speeds more than 120mph. The Patrol began attempting to stop Houck’s westbound vehicle. Later, Houck’s vehicle nearly struck a Seymour Police Officer who was attempting to deploy spikes.
At 4:17pm, Houck was taken into custody after striking a vehicle resulting in a non-injury crash, located west of State Route K on US 60. Houck is currently being held on a 24 hour hold in the Wright County Jail.
