A veteran sheriff’s deputy and his wife were killed in a devastating head-on crash in Missouri on Monday night, after a suspected drunk driver slammed into their vehicle while fleeing police. The couple’s 4-month-old grandchild, who was riding with them, survived but suffered serious injuries.
Deputy Mike Adams, 52, and his wife Ashley were traveling on Melton Road near Highlandville around 8:50 p.m. when a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Garrett Cleaver crossed the center line and hit them head-on, according to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
The infant was rushed to a hospital and is expected to recover, but the family is now grieving an unimaginable loss.
Authorities say Cleaver had just fled a traffic stop when he caused the fatal crash. He’s now facing a long list of charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated fleeing from a stop resulting in death, aggravated fleeing resulting in injury, and second-degree assault.
Even more disturbing, Cleaver has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for vehicular homicide and evading police in both Missouri and Kansas. According to KOAM News, he was already wanted on a warrant after failing to show up for a court date earlier this year in Jasper County. Despite that, he remained free—until Monday night’s deadly crash.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole didn’t hold back in his criticism of the system.
“This is another case where the suspect’s criminal history in multiple states reflects a failure on the part of the criminal justice system to keep a dangerous person off the streets and to protect innocent citizens,” Cole said Wednesday.
Adams, a U.S. Air Force veteran, previously served with both the Scott County and Mississippi County Sheriff’s Offices before joining Christian County. He was remembered by colleagues as the kind of deputy everyone could rely on.
“Mike was one of those guys that no matter what the situation was, or what he was asked to do, you could count on him,” Sheriff Cole said.
“This was a senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of an outstanding deputy and a beloved member of our community,” he added. “We are committed to seeking justice for the Adams family.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Major Crash Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate the case.
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Author: thedailycrime1
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