LEFT: Deputy Sheriff Michael “Mike” Adams (Christian County Sheriff’s Office). CENTER: Garrett Cleaver (CCSO). RIGHT: Michael’s wife, Ashley Adams (CCSO).
A deputy sheriff in Missouri on a car ride with his wife and 4-month-old grandchild on Monday night was nailed by a drunk driver evading police — killing the cop and his spouse, while the infant suffered serious injuries — after being struck head-on, police say.
Garrett Cleaver, 40, has been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated fleeing a stop or detention resulting in death, aggravated fleeing a stop or detention resulting in physical injury, and second-degree assault for the Monday night crash on Melton Road near Highlandville, according to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Sheriff Mike Adams, 52, was riding as a passenger with his wife Ashley and their grandchild when Cleaver allegedly crossed the center line and collided with them after speeding away from a traffic stop. Police say Cleaver has previous convictions for vehicular homicide and evading police in Missouri and Kansas.
“Mike was one of those guys that no matter what the situation was, or he was asked to do, you could count on him,” said Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole in a statement Tuesday.
“This is another case where the suspect’s criminal history in multiple states reflects a failure on the part of the criminal justice system to keep a dangerous person off the streets and to protect innocent citizens,” Cole blasted Wednesday after announcing Cleaver’s arrest.
Adams, an Air Force Veteran who previously served with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, was pronounced dead at the scene after Monday’s crash, along with his wife. Their grandchild was hospitalized with serious injuries, but is expected to survive. The collision occurred at around 8:50 p.m. while the couple was traveling eastbound on Melton Road.
“Monday’s crash was a senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of an outstanding deputy and a beloved community member,” Cole said. “We are continuing with a thorough investigation, and these charges reflect our commitment to pursuing justice for the Adams family.”
According to local Fox and CW affiliate KOAM, Cleaver had a court date in early May in Jasper County for a previous charge and was a no-show. A warrant was reportedly issued for his arrest and he remained free until the Adams incident.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Major Crash Investigation Unit says it is continuing to investigate circumstances surrounding the crash.
