August 19th, 2026 Local News
Perryville, Mo. (KFMO) - A Lesterville man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he stole a vehicle from a Perryville car dealership and led police on a chase that ended on the Perryville High School campus Monday afternoon.
39-year-old Shane Omar James has been charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention, tampering with a motor vehicle, first-degree property damage involving damage to a motor vehicle with intent to steal, and first-degree property damage. He is being held without bond at the Perry County Joint Justice Building.
According to Perryville Police, officers were dispatched to a car dealership on Highway 51 at approximately 12:30 p.m. Monday after receiving a report that a man had stolen a vehicle from the lot.
Investigators say James allegedly walked onto the dealership property, found a vehicle with the keys inside, and drove away southbound toward Interstate 55.
Officers located the vehicle on West St. Joseph Street near Pine Street and attempted a traffic stop. Police say James refused to stop and instead led officers on a pursuit through downtown Perryville before heading south on Main Street and onto the Perryville High School campus.
The Perry County School District placed the campus on a brief lockdown as the pursuit entered school property. According to the district, the stolen vehicle traveled through campus parking lots and across the grass at Pirate Stadium, where the driver reportedly circled the football field several times while looking for a way to escape. The vehicle eventually left the field, traveled up a walkway, and came to a dead end in a gravel lot near the Old Senior High building.
Police say James exited the vehicle and was immediately taken into custody without further incident.
They say James nearly struck a school district employee while attempting to flee. No injuries were reported.
Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones praised the response of local law enforcement following the incident.
"We are extremely relieved that everyone on our campus is safe today," Jones said. "The swift action of our local law enforcement officers contained a very unpredictable, dangerous situation quickly. We cannot thank our local police and emergency personnel enough for their courage and immediate response in keeping our district protected."
School District officials say the football field suffered only limited damage despite the vehicle driving across the playing surface.