Columbia Man Facing Felony Charges in Vehicle Pursuit That Started in Audrain County

A Columbia man is in the Audrain County Jail being held without bond after being charged with kidnapping and other felonies on connection to a multi-county chase that started in Audrain County on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

According to court documents Audrain County deputies were watching traffic in the 18000 block of US Highway 54, near Mexico at 11:43 Wednesday morning.

Deputies saw a 2006 Hyndai Sonata with extremely tinted windows that kept them from seeing the driver and a tinted license plate cover.

After pulling over the vehicle, the driver, identified as 34-year-old Colby Schooling, took off northbound on US 54 and a pursuit began.

During the pursuit speeds reached over 100 miles per hour with Schooling passing numerous cars on a two-lane stretch of road, around blind corners, and over hills.

Deputies said when he got to East Liberty Street, Schooling made a U-turn and got back onto southbound US 54.

The chase ended in Callaway County where Schooling was arrested after fleeing on foot.

Deputies found two women inside the car.

One of the women said she tried to get Schooling to stop to let her out, but he refused.

Prosecutors charged Schooling with felony counts of First-Degree Kidnapping, Resisting Arrest, and Operating a Vehicle Without a Valid License.

An initial court hearing was scheduled for January 25th.