Missouri Man Sentenced to 17 Years for High-Speed Pursuit and Crash
Ricky Ross Deford was sentenced today to 17 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections following a high-speed pursuit through Boone County that ended in a collision with a police vehicle.
The sentencing, handed down by Judge Brouck Jacobs, marks the longest penalty issued under Boone County’s recently enacted aggravated resisting law. Deford pled guilty to aggravated resisting arrest, kidnapping in the second degree, property damage in the first degree, leaving the scene of an accident, and careless and imprudent driving stemming from the August 2024 incident. During the pursuit, Deford fled from police at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour through residential areas of Columbia before crashing into a patrol vehicle.
Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson emphasized the severity of Deford’s actions, stating, “We hope this sentence sends a clear message: if you endanger the community by fleeing at high speeds, you will face serious consequences.” This case highlights the growing concern over increasingly dangerous fleeing suspect incidents, which put both law enforcement and the public at risk. Further details on resisting arrest laws can be found at Nolo.com.
The 17-year sentence is expected to deter similar reckless behavior in the future, according to the prosecuting attorney’s office. You can learn more about the Boone County court system here.
Officials stated they will continue to prioritize public safety and aggressively prosecute those who put the community in danger.
