Published on September 1, 2025 1:53 pm
Last Updated on September 1, 2025 1:53 pm
What was a reported “motorist assist” is now being investigated as a vehicle theft in Fayette County.
Just after 11:30pm Wednesday, St. Elmo Police observed the “motorist assist” on I-70 westbound about 10 miles west of St. Elmo. The officer talked with the motorist and believed the motorist was being dishonest. The motorist ran from the officer and attempted to crawl into a water-filled culvert to evade arrest. The officer was able to gain control of the suspect until Fayette County deputies and Vandalia police arrived to assist.
Authorities were able to determine that the motorist, 60-year-old Darren E. Sydnor of Kansas City, had just stolen the vehicle he was driving from West Cumberland Road in Brownstown. Sydnor reportedly told authorities the vehicle he had been driving had run out of gas in Brownstown next to the vehicle he was now driving. He also told authorities he had fled a traffic stop from Missouri authorities, and was currently on parole in Missouri.
Sydnor was arrested on charges of motor vehicle theft, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is next due in court on September 9.
