Authorities in Missouri are pursuing charges against a man accused of abducting a 4-year-old autistic boy on Saturday, who was later found in a different city after the man crashed his vehicle while attempting to flee.
According to the California Police Department, the boy’s mother reported late Saturday night that her son and Stephen Curtner had not been seen since that afternoon.
Curtner’s phone was traced to Jefferson City, roughly 25 miles away. Law enforcement there located the vehicle and attempted to stop it, but Curtner attempted to escape, hitting several vehicles in the process. Police, with help from Holts Summit officers, eventually stopped the vehicle and apprehended Curtner.
The child was found safe inside. Police dispatched officers to bring the child’s mother to be reunited, as Curtner had destroyed the family’s only means of transport. The relationship between Curtner, the child, and his mother was not clarified by police.
The California police officer also returned the mother and son to their home.
Holts Summit police reported that several police vehicles were damaged during the pursuit and capture of Curtner, but no physical injuries occurred. They are pursuing charges for assault on a special victim and property damage.
The Jefferson City Police Department has filed charges against Curtner for aggravated fleeing, assault on a special victim, resisting arrest, child endangerment, and property damage. The City of California has yet to announce any charges.
