JEFFERSON COUNTY, MO (News First) – Sheriff Dave Marshak announces arrests and charges following a multi-vehicle crash allegedly caused by the suspects fleeing police officers.
Shortly before 1:00 PM on 12/16/24, deputies spotted Mark E. Altman of Imperial driving a silver in color 2014 Dodge Ram pickup in the area of Old Sugar Creek Road and Highway 30. Aware of Altman having an active felony warrant for his arrest, a deputy activated his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. At that time, Altman allegedly sped off, driving erratically.
Deputies observed the Ram pickup veer off the roadway while traveling on eastbound Highway 30 near Valley Dell. The vehicle then traveled back onto the roadway, where it crashed into several other vehicles occupied by citizens before coming to a rest..
Altman and a passenger, Corey C. Hargrave of St. Louis, were taken into custody at the scene. There were no reports of serious injuries from anyone involved in the crash.
While securing the vehicle, deputies located two 9mm firearms inside. It was also learned the vehicle was reported stolen out of St. Louis County.
Altman and Hargrave were booked at the Jefferson County Jail.
Altman is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention under the recently enacted
“Valentines Law,” which increases the penalty for fleeing from a traffic stop, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
Hargrave is charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and is being held on a $30,000 cash-only bond.
Both men are convicted felons and disqualified from owning or possessing a firearm.
