An active-duty Airman assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base allegedly continued driving the wrong way down a divided Missouri highway even after deputies successfully spiked her tires, nearly striking several motorists before she was taken into custody, according to newly filed court records.
Airman First Class Melissa Depaz, 22, is now facing a felony charge of aggravated fleeing along with misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, and driving the wrong direction on a divided highway.
The charges stem from an Aug. 16 incident on U.S. Highway 50 in rural Johnson County.
According to a probable cause statement filed in court, a Johnson County sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to a report of a wrong-way driver and spotted a silver Nissan Sentra traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway.
The deputy activated emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the car, but the vehicle allegedly failed to yield.
Authorities then deployed tire-deflation devices, successfully puncturing at least one tire, according to the affidavit. But prosecutors allege Depaz continued eastbound in the westbound lanes and nearly struck three uninvolved motorists.
The car allegedly ran over two additional sets of tire-deflation devices before finally stopping in a construction zone.
Prosecutors say the alleged conduct went beyond simply failing to stop. The felony complaint accuses Depaz of fleeing while creating a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death by driving against traffic and nearly striking multiple motorists.
After being taken into custody, Depaz allegedly told authorities she had consumed “a couple drinks” while at a bar in Kansas City and knew she had a flat tire, but did not believe police were attempting to stop her.
The deputy reported that Depaz had difficulty standing straight, was swaying, repeated statements and smelled of alcohol.
A passenger in the vehicle gave investigators a different description of how much Depaz had allegedly consumed, telling authorities she had “a lot of alcohol to drink” at each bar they visited, according to the probable cause statement.
Depaz was taken to Western Missouri Medical Center, where she submitted to a blood draw that authorities said would be sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory for analysis.
Detention center staff later obtained a preliminary breath sample that allegedly indicated a blood-alcohol concentration of .118%, according to the court filing.
The criminal complaint filed Aug. 17 formally charges Depaz with one Class D felony count of aggravated fleeing from a stop or detention and three Class B misdemeanors: driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, and driving the wrong direction on a divided highway while creating an immediate threat of an accident.
That filing clears up an apparent duplication in the Johnson County Jail roster, which displayed each alleged offense twice. Court records show Depaz is facing four counts, not eight.
Depaz was booked into the Johnson County Jail on Aug. 16. A not-guilty plea was entered during her initial court appearance the following day, and court records indicate she planned to apply for public-defender services.
Her bond was set at $5,000 cash only.
Court records show the bond was ultimately posted in full, while Johnson County Jail records list Depaz as released on Aug. 18.
Her release came with significant restrictions. Bond paperwork requires Depaz to abstain from alcohol and controlled substances unless prescribed by a physician, submit to supervision and alcohol or drug testing, and have a SCRAM device or other form of continuous alcohol monitoring installed before release.
The 509th Bomb Wing confirmed Depaz’s military status after an inquiry from The Salty Soldier.
“We can confirm that Airman First Class Melissa Depaz is actively serving in the U.S. Air Force and is assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base,” 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs said.
The wing also confirmed her command is aware of the arrest.
“The command is aware of the situation and is fully cooperating with civilian law enforcement,” Public Affairs said.
The Air Force referred questions about the allegations and ongoing investigation to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
When asked whether Depaz could face separate administrative or military justice action, the wing declined to speculate.
“To protect the integrity of the ongoing legal process, we will not comment or speculate on any potential administrative or military justice actions,” Public Affairs said.
The civilian prosecution and any potential action by the Air Force are separate matters. No military disciplinary action against Depaz has been publicly announced.
The felony aggravated-fleeing charge carries the most serious potential consequences in the civilian case. Prosecutors state in the charging document that a Class D felony can carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 upon conviction. The three remaining charges are Class B misdemeanors.
Depaz has not been convicted of any of the allegations. The charges remain pending, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Salty Soldier will continue reviewing court records as the case progresses.
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