SEDALIA, MO – A subject reported to have been suicidal is accused by police of assault on a police officer.
A press release from Sedalia officers says during communication with officers Tuesday, Joshua Dieffenbach, 34, threatened to ram every police vehicle he saw. During an arranged meeting with police at a convenience store, Dieffenbach fled the scene, causing significant damage to one patrol car. A pursuit lasted around 18 minutes, during which, his vehicle attempted to ram patrol cars at least ten times. Officers used non lethal pepper balls to incapacitate the suspect.
Dieffenbach was taken to Bothwell Hospital for evaluation, and then to Sedalia police department. Officers recommend ten counts of assault, and resisting arrest.