23-04-2025
St. Clair County man arrested in high-speed pursuit says he was testing his cousin's theory
OSCEOLA, Mo. — Osceola police and St. Clair County detectives arrested a man who allegedly fled officers at around 95 mph on Monday, April 21, with the suspect saying he was testing out a theory from his cousin.
According to the Osceola Police Department, one of their officers caught a gray 2008 Chevy driving at 95 mph on northbound Highway 13. The officer pursued the Chevy on Highway 13 as the driver sped up and almost crashed into multiple vehicles as it turned onto Highway B.
The police officer eventually lost track of the vehicle, but he and St. Clair County detectives spoke to neighbors on NE 175 Road who said the driver of the Chevy — James Hills of St. Clair County — drove quickly into a driveway across the street and went inside the home.
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Detectives spoke with Hills in front of his home, and he admitted to fleeing from the Osceola police officer at speeds of 100 mph. Court records say he told detectives his cousin told him if he drove over 100 mph, then law enforcement wouldn't chase him, and he wanted to test out this theory. He also said he had no remorse for running since no one got hurt, according to court documents.
Hills was arrested under Valentine's Law, which makes fleeing from law enforcement a felony, and was issued a citation for speeding. He was placed under a 24-hour hold at the St. Clair County Jail with a $20,000 cash or surety bond.
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