ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Francois County deputies have arrested and charged a man they said was armed and dangerous, according to the county's sheriff's department.
The man, identified as Michael Pender, was arrested in a traffic stop near a gas station where the incident began. He was taken into custody at about 8:40 p.m. and has since been charged with second-degree assault and resisting arrest.
Pender was wanted on multiple other charges, including sodomy, arson, and assault on a law enforcement officer. He had made threats about shooting at law enforcement officers.
Earlier Wednesday, a deputy spotted Pender at Roy's Convenience Store off Highway N in Bismarck and tried to arrest him, the department said. Pender fought the deputy before running out of the store and attempting to leave the scene on an ATV-type vehicle.
The deputy chased Pender on foot and jumped onto the vehicle, the department said. Pender then accelerated and dragged the deputy. The deputy was taken to a local hospital where she received stitches and a cast for severe cuts she got during the incident.
Deputies used ATVs, drones and the Missouri State Highway Patrol's helicopter to search for Pender. Deputies believe Pender has since set four fires in the woods near Highway N to get rid of his scent and throw K9 teams off his trail.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated with the latest information as it is released.
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