JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — Sheriff's deputies in Jefferson County are still looking for a suspect they said was involved in an assault with a machete before sideswiping a school bus Tuesday.
Grant Bissell, a spokesman for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, said the suspect is considered dangerous. On Tuesday afternoon, they were looking in the area of Heads Creek Road near Highway MM in House Springs but did not find him.
On Wednesday, the suspect was identified as 31-year-old Ted Treece. He was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in connection with the incident but has not been taken into custody. The department also provided a mug shot from a previous arrest.
Bissell said witnesses saw Treece enter a convenience store with a ski mask on and a machete in his hand at around 3:30 p.m. Charging documents said Treece began arguing with someone in the store and threatening the victim with the machete. He then hit the victim in the face with the machete, causing a small cut on the victim's cheek. The victim then used a glass bottle to defend himself, and Treece ran off.
Deputies said while trying to get away from the scene, Treece's vehicle sideswiped a school bus carrying 34 children and the bus driver. No one on the bus was injured.
Treece eventually crashed his car and ran into the woods. Bissell said they believe he is injured.
Deputies used search dogs to look for the suspect Tuesday. They were asking residents to stay away from the area until he can be captured.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.