4 arrested after stolen vehicle pursuit

What started with a stolen vehicle pursuit last week ended with four individuals arrested, drugs found, charges filed, a second stolen vehicle discovered and more charges expected for two men.

The incident began Feb. 21 when deputies were involved in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle from the area of Route F in Sunrise Beach, according to a news release from Morgan County Sheriff Norman Dills. The chase started at a residence on Easter Hollow Road off South Buck Creek in Morgan County and was terminated near Mill Creek Road and Adkinsvillage Road. Dills said the vehicle was later recovered unoccupied near Gibson Point at the end of Route P.

Deputies returned to the residence where the pursuit began to interview witnesses. During their investigation, they discovered methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and paraphernalia at the home.

Janet Mills and Pamela Englehart were arrested at the residence, and both were charged with possession of a controlled substance, with a $20,000 bond each.

As a result of their investigation, deputies also developed a suspect in the stolen vehicle/pursuit, identified as 23-year-old Richard Mullins. Deputies followed up on several leads Friday and through the weekend but were unable to locate Mullins.

On Monday, deputies received information Mullins was allegedly operating a stolen Corvette in the Clinton area. They also learned he was going to a residence just east of Stover on Missouri 52.

A four-man arrest team deployed into the woods surrounding the residence, according to Dills' news release. At about 5 p.m., deputies observed a red Chevrolet Corvette traveling east on Missouri 52. A few moments later, they saw the vehicle pull into the residence. Two men exited the vehicle and started walking toward the house, where the team then made contact with the men and took them into custody.

Mullins, of Gravois Mills, and 37-year-old Brandon Van Blaricon, of Clinton, both had active warrants for absconding from parole.

The Corvette had been stolen Feb. 26 from Lake Ozark and had not been discovered stolen by the owner until the Morgan County Sheriff's Office located it.

Deputies also found approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine, paraphernalia and what is believed to be a stolen handgun, according to the news release. Dills said several charges are expected to be filed.