KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Valentine’s Law, which increases penalties for fleeing from a traffic stop, took effect just over a month ago in Missouri.
Counties around the Kansas City metro have now filed some of their first cases under the new law.
In Clay County, three cases that fall under Valentine’s Law have been filed so far.
Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson said the increased penalties are essential because of how often people fleeing from officers results in injuries to them, other drivers, pedestrians, and officers.
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“It’s a miracle anytime that someone doesn’t get hurt when someone makes the reckless decision to flee from a traffic stop,” Thompson said.
One of the most recent cases filed in Clay County, where Valentine’s Law was applied started as a disturbance call but turned into a pursuit.
Court documents say the suspect, William Robinson, fired shots at officers and then left the scene in an Amazon delivery truck .