Multi-Agency Pursuit Ends Near The Elms; Both Suspects Now in Custody

Excelsior Springs officials stated that the vehicle involved had been reported stolen from Kansas City. Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office first spotted the vehicle and pursued it into Excelsior Springs, where officers from the Excelsior Springs Police Department, Kearney Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol joined the response.

During the pursuit, Excelsior Springs police deployed spike strips on two occasions, successfully flattening the vehicle’s tires. Even so, the vehicle continued through town at relatively slow speeds before pulling into the parking lot near the Elms carriage house.

At that point, authorities said a passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a black shirt and remains at large.

The driver, a female, was taken into custody at the scene and arrested by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Following the stop, officers could be seen fanning out through nearby wooded areas, trudging through brush and deploying drones in an effort to locate the fleeing suspect. The search continued into the evening as law enforcement worked to track his movements.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Excelsior Citizen will continue to report updates as they become available.

UPDATE (12:24 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026):
Excelsior Springs police confirmed that the second suspect was taken into custody early Saturday morning following an extended search.

According to ESPD, officers responded after receiving a report that an employee at The Elms Hotel had given the suspect water. When officers arrived, the suspect fled on foot.

A drone operated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was deployed and located the suspect hiding along the riverbank. The drone team was able to guide officers directly to the suspect’s location, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

No additional suspects are outstanding, and the search has concluded.