Speeding offense leads to felony charges

By DAVID A. WILSON

Democrat Staff

Felony charges were filed in Moniteau County Circuit Court following a short chase by a City of California police officer.

According to court documents, about 8:20 p.m. on June 29, a police officer clocked a pickup traveling at 56 mph in a 45 mile zone on West Buchanan Street. The officer pursued the pickup which made a sudden turn onto Versailles Avenue and then another onto Moreau Street before pulling suddenly into a driveway, failing to use a turn signal on any of the turns.

The pickup driver, Senorino Gonzalez, 47, was ticketed for driving while intoxicated and transported to jail. It was noted in the report of the arresting officer that a .22 cal. handgun was in the vehicle.

After the police department conducted a full background check, it was determined the defendant had a felony conviction for driving while intoxicated in another state.

He has been charged with Class B Felony Driving While Intoxicated - Alcohol - Chronic Offender; and Class C Felony Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon.

If convicted, the defendant could face five to 15 years in prison on the Class B Felony charge and up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine on the Class C Felony.

A reduced bond is $15,000 on the DWI charge and $5,000 on the firearm possession charge.