May 12, 2020

Cass Co – Today charges were filed against a Lee’s Summit man who fled from law enforcement in Lee’s Summit and Cass County on Monday.

On Monday May 11, 2020 around 3:30 p.m. a deputy with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office located a silver Dodge minivan traveling south on Seaton Road, east of Pleasant Hill, that had previously fled from Lee’s Summit Police following the report of a theft.

The van fled from the deputy and after a short pursuit, the deputy discontinued after he was informed that a Star Chase tracking device was deployed on the vehicle.

About an hour later, another Cass County Deputy located the suspect vehicle west of Garden City. The deputy continued to follow the vehicle while assisting deputies arrived in the area. South of Harrisonville in the area of S. Walker Road and E 291st the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver continued without stopping.

An assisting deputy successfully deployed a tire deflation device on S. Walker Road at E. 283rd. Deputies continued following the vehicle north onto to 7 Highway. A deputy with the Cass County Criminal Apprehension Unit then deployed a Grappler device and stopped the vehicle at Orchard Road and 7 Highway. Deputies took the driver into custody and located a 6-year-old female in the vehicle. There were no reported injuries.

The driver, Ronald L. Labayen, 57, Lee’s Summit was charged today. The charges include:

Endangering The Welfare Of a Child – 1st Degree, Class D Felony

Resisting Arrest By Fleeing, Class E Felony

Driving While Revoked – 1st Offense, Class D Misdemeanor

Ronald Labayen’s bond was set at Signature (ROR).

“We are fortunate in Cass County to have the best equipment, training, and staff, to bring these situations to a successful conclusion. Although I continue to work to resolve the failed bond reform issues and the subsequent signature bonds, it’s my promise to the citizens that we will continue to do our jobs and fulfill or mission to Keep Cass County Safe.” Sheriff Jeff Weber