A routine traffic stop escalated into a high-speed pursuit and felony arrest on the evening of August 28, 2025, when a driver fled from police near Broadway Street.
According to Officer R. Shell of the West Plains Police Department, a blue Toyota Camry was clocked at 39 MPH in a 15 MPH zone around 7:46 P.M. The driver, later identified as Nathaniel Saba, accelerated and attempted to evade police, reaching speeds of approximately 70 MPH before crashing into a curb and fire hydrant at 1st and Halstead Streets. Children were reportedly playing nearby at the time of the incident.
After the crash, Saba exited the vehicle and was detained. Officers recovered a loaded Glock 17 handgun from his sweatshirt and detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, prescription pill bottles, and Oxycodone pills for which Saba did not have a prescription. A glass pipe with THC wax residue was also found.
Saba admitted to consuming marijuana and Xanax earlier in the day and agreed to provide a blood sample at Ozark Healthcare. He was found to have a revoked driver’s status and was unable to provide proof of insurance.
He now faces multiple charges, including:
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Operating a Vehicle Without a Valid License
- Possession of Controlled Substances
- Resisting Arrest
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Authorities confirmed the firearm was functional and loaded with 24 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
