From the desk of Sheriff Scott Bradley

On June 12th, 2016, Deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office got into a pursuit of vehicle being driving by a person known to deputies and driving on suspended driver license as 19 year old Ryan Morse of Clinton. During the pursuit, which started on US Highway 65 and then onto the city streets of Clinton and back on State Highway 95W, More’s vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, and Morse lost control of the vehicle several times. Morse’s vehicle struck a fence on property owned by a Clinton Police officer. More’s vehicle then swerved across the road way into a yard where 4 children were playing and almost hitting the children. More’s vehicle then tried to hit a Van Buren County deputy’s vehicle that was trying to intercept him at the junction of Main Street and State Highway 95 W. After a short pursuit on State Highway 95W toward Scotland. Morse stopped the vehicle and surrendered. Morse is being charged with Felony Aggravated Assault, Felony Fleeing, 4 counts of Misdemeanor Endangering the welfare of Minors, and numerous traffic violations. Morse is currently incarcerated at the Van Buren County Detention Center awaiting a first appearance.