Missouri State Senator Ron Latz is championing a new initiative known as Valentine’s Law, designed to address the growing problem of drivers fleeing from police during traffic stops. The legislation, named in honor of St. Louis County Detective Antonio Valentine, who lost his life in a tragic incident involving a fleeing vehicle in December 2021, aims to elevate the consequences for such actions.
Under this law, fleeing from law enforcement is no longer a mere misdemeanor; it has been reclassified as a felony. This change is intended to deter motorists from evading police and emphasizes the serious repercussions of such behavior.
Latz explained that the law mandates that all law enforcement agencies must utilize the federal database for tracking firearms involved in crimes. “When officers encounter firearms linked to criminal activity, they must enter the data into the e-trace system,” he noted. This requirement aims to streamline investigations and enhance collaboration among agencies.
Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek endorsed the bill, asserting that mandatory use of the federal tracking database would be beneficial. “This tool is effective nationwide,” Stanek stated, highlighting that firearms often circulate among multiple individuals involved in criminal activities.
As lawmakers prepare to reconvene early next year, Latz’s proposal seeks to bolster public safety and provide law enforcement with better tools for managing high-speed chases and other dangerous situations on the road. The goal is clear: reduce the number of incidents where fleeing drivers pose risks to both officers and the public.