Lang
8/22/20
An overnight police chase near Hills has led to a Washington County man’s arrest.
According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped 26-year-old Zahontre Byars of Washington for speeding and lane violations on southbound Highway 218 near the Hills exit just after 2:45 Saturday morning. Investigators say Byars gave a deputy his driver’s license, then rolled up his window, started yelling, and drove away.
Byars allegedly eluded pursuing officers while going over 25 miles per hour over the speed limit. The pursuit ended after Washington County Sheriff’s deputies deployed stop sticks.
Officers say Byars physically refused being placed into a patrol car. He allegedly showed measurable signs of impairment on field sobriety tests, refused breath and urine testing, and showed a driving status as suspended.
Byars is charged with Operating While Intoxicated, Felony Eluding, Driving While Denied or Revoked and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over seven years in prison.