Fleeing not an option under Missouri’s new Valentine’s Law

Police departments in Missouri are reminding drivers about a new “Valentine’s Law” that is now in effect in the Show-Me State.

The law is named after St. Louis County Detective Antonio Valentine who was killed in the line of duty after a fleeing car struck his unmarked police vehicle in December of 2021.

The law is designed to deter motorists from fleeing from police at traffic stops by raising its status from a misdemeanor to a felony.

With the new law in effect as of August 28th, it’s crucial that everyone understands the severe consequences of fleeing from law enforcement.

Police say under this new law, fleeing from a traffic stop can result in serious penalties:

• Class D Felony: If your actions create a substantial risk of injury, you will face a minimum of 1 year in prison without the possibility of probation or parole.
• Class B Felony: If your flight causes physical injury to another person, you could be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison.
• Class A Felony: If your actions result in someone’s death, you could be facing 10 to 30 years or even life imprisonment.

It’s important to note that even if you believe the traffic stop is unlawful, this is not a defense under Valentine’s Law.

The law is clear: once an officer initiates a stop, fleeing is not an option. This law is designed to protect both the public and law enforcement officers by ensuring that fleeing a stop carries significant consequences. If you’re pulled over, please stop and comply.

The risks of fleeing far outweigh any momentary gain.