Homeowner accused of kidnapping driver using driveway to turn around, Missouri cops say

A man accused of kidnapping a driver using his driveway then assaulted a deputy who responded to his property, Missouri authorities say.

Gerald Staus, 65, called 911 on Dec. 28 stating someone was using his driveway to turn around, according to a probable cause statement filed in Pettis County.

When a deputy arrived at the Sedalia property, the homeowner’s pickup truck was seen blocking the car from leaving the driveway, authorities said. Staus told the deputy he had intentionally blocked in the driver.

The driver said he did not mean to trespass, according to the court documents. He said he was following his GPS, which told him to turn down the driveway that was designated as a thruway.

When he tried to turn around, he was met by Staus, whose truck blocked him in, authorities said.

The deputy told Staus that he needed to move his truck, but the homeowner began screaming and insulting the officer, according to the probable cause statement. He is accused of acting “belligerent” as he swung open the door of his truck, intentionally striking the deputy.

Staus then shoved the deputy out of the way, court documents show. The deputy tried to put handcuffs on the homeowner, but he refused to comply and returned to his truck.

Authorities said Staus nearly ran the deputy over as he drove back to his home. As he exited his truck and ran toward his home, he was tased by the deputy, who then took him into custody.

Staus was charged with third-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree assault and eight counts of resisting arrest.

Sedalia is about a 90-mile drive southeast from Kansas City.

This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 9:21 AM with the headline "Homeowner accused of kidnapping driver using driveway to turn around, Missouri cops say."