A traffic stop attempt in Columbia turned into a high-speed pursuit that topped 100 mph after officers say 22-year-old Deadren Martin refused to stop when they attempted to pull over a black car spotted driving without its headlights on after dark. Martin now faces two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge stemming from the chase, which allegedly saw him blow through a stop sign before he was arrested.
According to KOMU 8, an officer first spotted the black car without its lights on and attempted a stop, but Martin allegedly did not slow down. Radio station KXEO reported that the initial infraction — driving after dark with no headlights, coupled with failing to yield — is what drew the officer's attention before the encounter escalated. From there, the encounter escalated. According to Section 575.150 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, a person is presumed to be fleeing a vehicle stop if he or she continues to operate a motor vehicle after he or she has seen or should have seen clearly.
Chase Barrels Through Multiple Columbia Corridors
The pursuit did not stay on one street. Court documents cited by the station describe Martin driving more than 60 mph on Kittyhawk Drive, where he allegedly disregarded a stop sign. He then merged onto Interstate 70, where he accelerated to more than 100 mph, according to the statement.
The pursuit continued before Martin was arrested, according to the available reports.
Child-Endangerment Charge Filed
The child-endangerment charge was among the charges filed against Martin.
Police ultimately terminated the pursuit because of excessive speed and the danger it posed to the public, according to the probable cause statement. The decision underscores the importance of weighing public safety during a high-speed chase.
Officer Traces Car Back to Registered Owner
Police later arrested Martin, ending the chase.
The pursuit ended after officers determined it posed a danger to the public. Missourinet reported in October 2025 that the Missouri Sheriffs' Association had raised concerns about state pursuit rules allowing officers to exceed speed limits or bypass traffic devices without sirens or lights, warning of elevated risks to pedestrians and other motorists during high-speed chases. Interstate 70 through Columbia was part of this pursuit.
Felony Charges Carry Years of Potential Prison Time
Martin was charged with resisting a stop by fleeing, endangering the welfare of a child, and operating a motor vehicle without a license, since he allegedly does not have a driver's license. The report does not specify the potential sentence or fine for the resisting charge.
The child-endangerment charge is among the felony charges filed against Martin. The report does not specify the degree or potential penalty for that charge. It also does not specify the classification or penalty for the unlicensed-driving charge.
The supplied reports do not provide details about Martin's first court appearance. They also do not identify the court handling the case or describe its responsibilities. Further proceedings will determine how the case moves forward.
