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Gas drive-off suspect named
Posted: 12.15.2012 at 4:34 PM
Monisha Bruner

Monisha Bruner is a news reporter with KTVO.

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Gerardo A. Contreras, 18, of Rochelle, Illinois.
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UNIONVILLE, MO. -- The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has released the name of the man accused of stealing an SUV, stealing gas, leading authorities on a high-speed chase and wrecking the vehicle.

That man is Gerardo A. Contreras, 18, of Rochelle, Illinois.

He is charged with:

- Second degree assault of law enforcement, a class b felony.

- Receiving stolen property, a class c felony.

- Resisting arrest by fleeing, a class d felony.

Friday’s chain of events started with a gas drive-off in Centerville, Iowa.

A clerk at Konvenience Korner convenience store in Centerville said the suspect put $70 worth of gas into a red Dodge Durango with Illinois plates and then drove off without paying for it.

Turns out the SUV was stolen.

The store reported the gas theft to the Appanoose County Sheriff's Office.

A deputy located the SUV and began pursuit.

The chase reportedly reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.

The Unionville Police Department said the chase ended with the Durango crashing near the intersection of Birch and 23rd on the south side of Unionville.

The car landed on its driver's side.

Putnam County Sheriff Jason Knight said a total of three patrol vehicles were damaged during the ordeal.

The suspect could also face charges in other counties in Missouri and in, Iowa and Illinois.

Bond has been set at $80,000 cash only, and his court date will be Monday, December 17.

 

For previous story click HERE. 

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