July 7 – MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – A 39-year-old woman was sentenced to stand trial for driving a state trooper into his vehicle during a June 3 pursuit in Lawrence County.
Associate Judge Matthew Kasper ruled in a preliminary hearing Thursday in Lawrence County Circuit Court that there was probable cause for Rachael S. Acra of the Miller campaign to stand trial for assault in the first degree and property damage. The judge has set his first appearance before a trial division for Monday next week.
A probable cause affidavit filed with the charges says a Dade County deputy was pursuing Acra when she intentionally rammed his patrol car, forcing him to end his pursuit and seek assistance. A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper then located his vehicle on U.S. Highway 160 east of Everton and began pursuing it into Lawrence County.
A second state trooper parked her vehicle at the intersection of County Road 2040 and DD Road to deploy tire deflators and was outside her vehicle as she walked was approaching and accelerating towards him and his car. The soldier managed to avoid being hit, but his vehicle slammed into the front of his patrol car.
Acra was then taken into custody after a short foot chase, according to the affidavit.
Jeff Lehr is a reporter for the Joplin Globe.