Festus, MO – The Jefferson County Prosecutors Office has charged a Hillsboro man with a felony offense following a high-speed pursuit with a Festus Police officer that occurred on May 31.

According to court documents filed on Sept. 3, 2025, Festus Police Department said there is probable cause to believe that Thomas Wayne Voyles, age 40, of Hillsboro, committed several offenses during the incident, including aggravated fleeing from a lawful stop, driving while revoked or suspended, failure to stop at posted signs, and speeding in a construction zone.

The pursuit began when the Festus Police officer observed Voyles’ vehicle turn south onto South Mill Street. The officer activated emergency lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Voyles allegedly accelerated in an effort to flee, continuing west on South Fifth Street and south on Henry Street without stopping at posted stop signs, the report stated.

During the pursuit, Voyles reportedly passed another vehicle by driving into the opposite lane while traveling west on Lee Avenue, prompting the officer to deactivate emergency equipment due to increasing safety concerns for other motorists.

The suspect continued west on Veterans Boulevard and allegedly failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Veterans and West Gannon before disappearing from the officer’s line of sight.

Prosecutors charged Voyles under Section 575.150 of Missouri law with the class E felony of resisting a lawful stop. Officials allege his actions created a substantial risk of serious injury or death to others.

The court determined that non-monetary conditions would not adequately ensure public safety or Voyles’ appearance in court. A monetary bond was set at $15,000.

Paul Barnard Editor

Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

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