Zahnd said Schlax was fleeing from Kansas police on September 26, 2007 when he drove the wrong way on the Fairfax Bridge into Platte County. Schlax then drove his pick-up truck into on-coming rush hour traffic on Interstate 635 and crashed into another car shortly after crossing into Missouri.
After Schlax wrecked, he fled on foot. He was captured about an hour later with the assistance of a police helicopter.
Schlax has previous convictions for stealing a police car and fleeing to escape, possession of ephedrine with intent to make methamphetamine, attempted possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, and driving under the influence of drugs.
Zahnd said, “This man has an extensive criminal history that justifies a long prison term. His drug dealing and earlier escape from police reveal him to be a man unable to abide by the rules the rest of us follow every day.”
The case was investigated by the Riverside Department of Public Safety with the assistance of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Wyandotte County, KS Sheriff’s Department. The jury trial was handled by assistant prosecutors Justin Kalwei and Joe Vanover.
Eric G. Zahnd
Platte County Prosecuting Attorney
415 Third Street
Suite 60
Platte City, Missouri 64079
(816) 858-3476
(816) 858-3472 (fax)
ezahnd@co.platte.mo.us
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