Criminal’s Whereabouts Yet Unknown

Criminal’s Whereabouts Yet Unknown

By Crystal Howerton
Robert Dean Thompson, DOB 2-15-85, of Hannibal, MO, pursued by the Edina Police Department after a traffic violation early Saturday morning, July 26, continues to elude law enforcement officials.
In an attempt to escape capture, Thompson drove a pickup into “Kennedy Bottom” and exited the vehicle, braving swift currents brought on by heavy rains. Recent investigation has led authorities to believe that Thompson did, in fact, escape, and contacted his associations.

Thompson will be charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to stop for an emergency vehicle, careless and imprudent driving, and driving without a valid license, as well as additional charges, which are pending.

Police have confirmed that the blue 1997 Ford F150, which was reported stolen by owner Sterling Owens, Sr. of Hannibal, MO, formerly of Hurdland, MO, did, in fact, contain an undetermined amount of catalytic converters, which are believed to be stolen property. However, the vehicle remains in the low water crossing at “Kennedy Bottom” in spite of attempts by police to remove it late Friday afternoon.

“Catalytic converters are the new, hot item for thieves right now,” said Edina Police Chief Roger Waibel. They will just slip under your vehicle with a sawzall and cut your exhaust in half, removing the catalytic converter in a matter of seconds.” Catalytic converters, which contain trace amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, are being sold for scrap metal at $75-$150 each.

“The decision to pursue or defer is solely at the officer’s discretion,” explained Waibel. “Most pursuits start with a simple traffic stop and lead to bigger things. In this case, it led to knowledge regarding stolen property and the potential arrest of an alleged thief. This very well could have prevented thefts in our area. I fully support Officer Villame’s decision to pursue in this case.”

If you have any information concerning Thompson’s whereabouts or other information concerning this case, contact the Edina Police Department at 660-397-3251.