A Jefferson City man was arrested Wednesday after a chase with authorities in Moniteau County.
Deputies responded early Wednesday morning to a report of suspicious activity at Clarksburg Baptist Church, according to reports from the Moniteau County Sheriff's Department. Upon arrival in the area, the deputies were informed the suspect vehicle had just left.
Deputies caught up with the vehicle near the junction of Route H and U.S. 50. The vehicle was driven by Sidney Leslie, whose address was not given by authorities.
Deputies attempted to stop Leslie, who reportedly fled onto U.S. 50 heading west. Leslie then turned onto Route E, heading south toward Latham, then attempted to turn onto Mount Moriah Road but could not navigate the turn due to his speed. He proceeded into a ditch and through the grass area of the church before going back onto Mount Moriah Road and coming to a stop.
A deputy ordered Leslie and his passenger, Nyson Moore, 21, of Jefferson City, out of the vehicle and detained them.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies allegedly found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials and methamphetamine. Deputies also reportedly found more methamphetamine, along with digital scales, that had been thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit.
Leslie was issued a summons for no operator's license and a summons for resisting arrest by fleeing and released.
Moore was found to be on probation/parole and was taken into custody for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine and distribution of drugs.