06/03/2026
Break-In Attempt and Pursuit Results in Charges
On June 2, Clay County Prosecutors charged Defendant Blake Garrett Marshall with the Class D Felony of Aggravated Fleeing (Valentine’s Law), which is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, and the Class B Misdemeanor of Trespass in the First Degree.
The charges follow an incident on June 2, where, according to police reports, a resident placed a 911 call to report a break-in. The victim stated that a male suspect was actively trying to force entry into his house. The suspect, later identified as Marshall, abandoned the break-in attempt and fled the scene in an older model black Chevrolet pickup truck alongside a passenger.
Police reports state that minutes later, Clay County Dispatch received a second 911 call from an anonymous caller acting like an emotionally disturbed individual, claiming there were gunshots and demanding FBI and SWAT responses. Dispatch used intelligence software to trace the calling number back to Marshall.
Smithville Police Department officers located the vehicle traveling westbound on MO-92 Highway near US-169 and conducted a traffic stop at Sunny's gas station. After initially pulling over, Marshall allegedly refused to show identification and then accelerated out of the parking lot, prompting a multi-agency vehicle pursuit.
According to the probable cause statement, the driver continued to elude officers for several miles, executing dangerous U-turns across double-yellow lines on US-169 and MO-92 Highways. During the flight, Marshall allegedly nearly struck a stopped Dodge Durango, drove the wrong way into northbound traffic on US-169 Highway, and briefly entered oncoming traffic lanes on MO-92 Highway. Police reports state Marshall accelerated his vehicle to speeds between 110 MPH and 120 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, drifting across the two-lane road and forcing an innocent motorist completely off the roadway onto the shoulder.
The chase crossed the Clay County line into Platte County and ended at Tiffany Springs Parkway, where officers forced the truck off the road as Marshall allegedly attempted to drive the wrong way onto I-29. The Defendant was then taken into custody by Smithville Police Department, Platte County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The Court issued an arrest warrant and set the bond at $75,000.
“We are grateful that no one was seriously injured, but this is a stark reminder that police pursuits place officers, innocent motorists, and the public at tremendous risk. It is only by the professionalism of our law enforcement partners and good fortune that this chase did not end in tragedy,” stated Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson.
We thank the Smithville Police Department, the Platte County Missouri Sheriff's Office, the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their work and collaboration, which allowed us to successfully file charges within 24 hours.
This remains an ongoing investigation; current charges may be escalated, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. The information above was obtained from the court-filed probable cause statement in case 26CY-CR01648. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges are allegations only and do not constitute evidence of guilt. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to seeking justice inside the courtroom.
