MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged a man after police said he intentionally crashed into a police cruiser.
Andre Brunt, 25, was charged with two counts of second-degree assault of a special victim and resisting arrest by fleeing- creating a substantial risk of serious injury on Monday.
On Oct. 26 Maryland Heights police saw a silver Kia Sorento with a "wanted" on file for the license plate.
Police said the driver of the Kia was Brunt, who had active warrants for his arrest. The officers also recognized Brunt from past incidents and investigations.
Officers drove in front of his car and turned on the emergency equipment attempting to cause a traffic stop. Brunt reversed the car and accelerated quickly away from the police car, according to the prosecutor's office.
The officers pursued Brunt until the end of the parking lot.
Brunt then placed the car in drive, accelerating toward the officers and striking the patrol car with his car.
Brunt reversed and struck the patrol car again.
He was able to drive past the patrol car, speeding away through the parking lot and exiting onto Lackland Road.
Police pursued the car as Brunt drove in and out of traffic, and into on-coming traffic. Brunt reached up to 100 miles per hour before losing control of the car and rolling into a ditch.
He was taken into custody.
Brunt faces five to 15 years in prison for the assault charges, which are class B felonies. He is facing one day to one year in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for the fleeing charge, which is a class E felony.
The court set Brunt's bond for $500,000, cash-only, no 10% authorized.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.
