ST. ROBERT, MO — A U.S. Army Staff Sergeant stationed at Fort Leonard Wood is facing felony charges after leading police on a high-speed chase through St. Robert in the early hours of Sunday, August 24, that ended with his Dodge Charger crashing into a family’s home-based bakery.
According to the Saint Robert Police Department, officers clocked a blue Dodge Charger speeding 63 mph in a 35 mph zone at the intersection of Highway W and St. Robert Boulevard around 12:34 a.m. When they attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and instead led them on a pursuit through a residential neighborhood.
The chase came to a violent end when the vehicle failed to make a turn onto Sandstone Drive and slammed into the garage of a home at 127 Brush Creek Parkway. Court documents reveal the impact was so severe that both the driver and passenger were trapped inside the car, pinned by structural damage, and held at gunpoint by officers until backup arrived.
The driver was identified as Staff Sergeant Swaheli Meadows, age 32, a resident of St. Robert. Bodycam footage and the probable cause statement show Meadows told officers, “I’m sorry, I just threw my whole life away.”
The home he crashed into belongs to the DiPietro family, who were asleep inside at the time—only 15 to 20 feet from the point of impact. The family operates a small home bakery, Poppy Joe’s Breads and Bakes, which has since announced it will be unable to continue operations due to the extensive damage.
In a public statement, the DiPietros expressed gratitude that no one was injured, saying, “The outcome could have been far worse for my family. We want to thank the St. Robert Police Department for their quick response, as well as our neighbors, community members, and local Army leadership who have all stepped forward to support us during this difficult time.”
Police noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle. After coordination with Meadows’ military chain of command, a breathalyzer test was administered and returned a BAC of 0.167%—over twice the legal limit.
Charges Filed
Meadows was arrested and transported to Pulaski County Jail. He later posted a $50,000 surety bond. Formal charges include:
- Aggravated Fleeing a Stop (Felony D)
- First-Degree Property Damage (Felony E)
- Driving While Intoxicated (Misdemeanor B)
Court records allege that Meadows knowingly endangered the public by fleeing at high speed through a residential area and causing significant property damage.
Meadows’ arraignment is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Pulaski County Court, presided over by Judge Kevin Scott Hillman.
Conditions of his release include ignition interlock, alcohol monitoring, GPS tracking, and a no-contact order with victims. Meadows was also ordered to surrender his concealed carry license.
Army Response Pending
No formal statement has been issued yet by Fort Leonard Wood or the Army Public Affairs Office regarding disciplinary action or pending administrative proceedings. The incident is expected to trigger an investigation by Meadows’ chain of command, which could result in additional punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
As with other recent cases, this incident raises ongoing questions about how the Army handles off-duty misconduct among its NCO ranks, especially in communities near military installations.
© 2025 The Salty Soldier. All Rights Reserved.
The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of TheSaltySoldier.com.
