A California man is being held without bond after leading law enforcement on a high‑speed chase through multiple Missouri counties on December 25, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Francisco Javier Portillo, 42, of Delhi, California, faces charges including aggravated fleeing, second-degree assault of a special victim, and armed criminal action.
Troopers were first alerted when a tractor‑trailer driver was seen slumped over the wheel in Montgomery County.
The vehicle — a semi‑truck with no trailer attached, then reportedly sped through Montgomery City, failing to stop at signs and disregarding other vehicles.
When troopers attempted to pull the vehicle over, Portillo allegedly fled from officers, ignoring efforts to stop him, including attempts to deploy spike strips.
The pursuit continued across Ralls and Marion counties, during which Portillo is accused of disregarding road signs and driving into oncoming traffic.
Troopers also reported that the suspect struck a patrol vehicle more than once before the chase ended when the truck’s tires came off.
Portillo was taken into custody and booked into the Audrain County Jail without bond. He is scheduled for a confined docket hearing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
RELATED: Immigrant truck drivers file class-action lawsuit against California for discrimination
