MAN STRIKES OFFICER, CAR WHILE FLEEING MISSOURI POLICE

Franklin County authorities are looking for a man who hit a deputy and a police car and then fled from police. At about 4 p.m. June 19, members of the Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement Unit spotted a man wanted on other charges at the city park in Union.

When the officers attempted to arrest the man, he fled in his vehicle, striking an undercover police car and a deputy. Police said the deputy wasn't injured, and the car sustained only minor damage to the bumper. Police pursued the man north on Highway A and then lost sight of him.

A short time later, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper saw the suspect's car near Eagle Ridge on Highway A and the pursuit started again. The pursuit continued north on Highway A to Whiskey Creek Road. Police deployed road spikes at two locations on Highway A in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but the suspect was able to avoid the road spikes both times.

The man eventually drove off Whiskey Creek Road into a field. Because of the rough terrain, police weren't able to follow and again lost sight of the suspect's vehicle. Police, aided by a Highway Patrol canine unit, searched the area but couldn't find the suspect.

His vehicle was found abandoned. Police said the vehicle was damaged when the man drove it into the field, and he apparently fled into a wooded area to evade police. The suspect was identified as Brian Gettings, 27. Police said Gettings has no permanent address.