SJPD shares the importance of not fleeing from law enforcement with a social post featuring helicopter pursuit footage

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph Police Department posted a video featuring helicopter pursuit footage from a September 18 project with a simple message: don't flee from law enforcement.

On September 18, the St. Joseph Police Department said it conducted a Helicopter Project, using aerial support to assist officers during law enforcement operations throughout the community.

They shared footage from that day, including several incidents officers encountered. Along with the video, they shared a message about the importance of not running from law enforcement.

In the post, they stated that when an officer attempts to stop you, pull over safely and follow their instructions. They also reminded people that fleeing can turn a routine traffic stop into a dangerous situation for individuals, law enforcement officers, and innocent members of our community.

All of this comes under Valentine’s Law: a person can commit aggravated fleeing when they know or reasonably should know an officer is attempting to stop or detain their vehicle, and they flee while driving at a high speed or in a manner that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death. The law also provides enhanced penalties when the flight results in physical injury or death.

For the full video of the helicopter pursuits from September 18, click here.