Deputy injured when struck by stolen vehicle

SIKESTON -- A Scott County sheriff's deputy was taken by air ambulance to a Cape Girardeau hospital for treatment Monday after his car was struck by a vehicle reported as stolen in Minnesota.

During a pursuit by Scott County Sheriff's Department and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, Eric G. Swanson, 37, of Albany, Minn., is accused of driving his vehicle into the back of Deputy Dane A. Stausing's northbound patrol car on U.S. 61 in Sikeston at 3:27 p.m. Monday.

Stausing, 31, was attempting to block Swanson's car when the deputy's vehicle was pushed off the road. Following the collision, Swanson's car then ran off the road and struck a utility pole, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said this morning Stausing was scheduled to be released from the hospital later today after undergoing several tests.

"He seems to be doing very good. He's sore, and he's doing all right today," Walter said, adding he didn't know how long Stausing would be off work.

A no-bond warrant was issued for Swanson's arrest on charges of Class A felony assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action.

A warrant was also issued for Swanson's companion in the car, Crystal S. Victoriam, 25, of Glencore, Minn., on a charge of Class B felony assault on a law enforcement officer.

Formal charges are expected to be filed later today.

Both Swanson and Victoriam were air lifted to a Cape Girardeau hospital. Swanson was slated to be released from the hospital today, and when he's released he will be held at the Scott County Jail, Walter said. The latest update on Victoriam's condition was she received a broken neck, Walter said.