Richwoods Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit and Drone Search

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Washington County man wanted on multiple felony warrants was taken into custody Saturday evening after leading deputies on a 25-mile pursuit that ended in a creek bed near Richwoods.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on November 22, 2025, when a deputy conducting business checks in Richwoods spotted a vehicle believed to be associated with a known sex offender actively avoiding law enforcement. The deputy confirmed the vehicle’s identity and attempted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Highway A and State Highway 47. Instead of stopping, the driver fled at high speeds, prompting a pursuit through rural areas of the county.

Deputies say the chase continued for about 25 miles before the suspect veered off the roadway, drove under a bridge, and continued down the middle of a creek. The vehicle eventually became disabled, and the driver ran from the scene. A perimeter was quickly established, and an off-duty deputy was called in to assist with a drone. The suspect was located a short time later using the drone’s aerial view and was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, identified as Daniel Hagen Jr., was arrested on multiple felony warrants, including failing to register as a sex offender, failure to appear, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violations. Additional charges related to the pursuit are pending.

Hagen is being held without bond and is awaiting several upcoming court appearances.