Crystal City, Mo. (Sept. 24, 2025) A Bismarck man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through Crystal City on Sept. 1, 2024, and fleeing the scene of a crash. The Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Jefferson filed the criminal complaint on Sept. 23, 2025.

According to a probable cause statement from the Crystal City Police Department, Eric R. Blandford, age 34, of Bismarck, MO was observed operating a stolen vehicle on North Truman Boulevard around 2:48 p.m. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Blandford reportedly fled, reaching speeds over 100 mph and driving on the wrong side of the road, narrowly avoiding multiple collisions.

Police say Blandford struck another vehicle at the intersection of South Truman Boulevard and Beffa Street during the pursuit. He allegedly ran several red lights, failed to stop at stop signs, did not use turn signals, and continued driving at excessive speeds before eventually abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Once apprehended, Blandford reportedly refused to identify himself. Authorities later identified him determined that his driver’s license was revoked.

The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney has charged Blandford with multiple offenses, including:

• Aggravated fleeing a stop (Class D felony)
• Driving while revoked (Class E felony)
• Leaving the scene of an accident (Class A misdemeanor)
• Careless and imprudent driving (Class B misdemeanor)
• Exceeding the speed limit by 26 mph or more

Court documents state Blandford is a prior and persistent offender, with a criminal history including felony convictions for burglary and distribution of a controlled substance. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Sept. 23, 2025.

The above charges are mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

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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