Two people were arrested after two separate vehicle pursuits Thursday night in Jefferson City.
According to police reports, the first pursuit occurred at 6:51 p.m. after officers were dispatched to Schnucks on Missouri Boulevard for a report of a shoplifter, identified as Molly Seymour, 32, of Jefferson City. It was reported she was outside the store arguing with a store employee.
The reporting person then informed 911 operators that Seymour was leaving the area and going north from the business toward St. Mary's Boulevard.
Responding officers observed Seymour's vehicle traveling eastbound on St. Mary's, then turned to travel southbound on Michigan Street.
Seymour reportedly sideswiped a northbound vehicle and continued southbound at a high rate of speed. Seymour eventually pulled into a private drive in the 800 block of Missouri and was taken into custody for theft, resisting arrest and leaving the scene of a crash.
The second pursuit occurred at approximately 10:25 p.m. when officers reportedly observed a vehicle driven by Damien Rotter, 23, of Jefferson City. Officers said he was a wanted parole absconder, so they attempted to stop him at Myrtle Avenue and Edmonds Street, but Rotter failed to yield and the pursuit ensued.
The pursuit went westbound on Edmonds to Dulle Street then traveled southbound on Dulle to Woodcliff Drive. Rotter attempted to make a left turn onto Southwest Boulevard, but was going too fast to negotiate the turn. The vehicle struck the curb and became disabled. Rotter exited his vehicle and began running on foot. A K-9 unit was deployed, and Rotter was eventually apprehended.
Rotter was taken into custody for the outstanding warrant along with new charges of resisting arrest and possession of controlled substances. Further investigation implicated Rotter in a burglary from earlier Thursday. That incident is a separate ongoing investigation, and authorities said charges will be submitted later in that case.