A pursuit Saturday through a busy part of Branson leads to the arrests of an individual.

The release below is from the Branson Police Department:

On 5/31/2025 at about 9 p.m., the Branson Police Department received a call from a man, later identified as Jerimiah Matthew Mills. Mills claimed to be intoxicated, armed with a handgun, and driving a silver truck also occupied by his wife and two young children, ages 4 and 10. Mills said he was suicidal and made threats against his family. Branson officers located the vehicle on 76 Country Boulevard near Truman Drive and attempted a traffic stop. Mills refused to stop, and the vehicle fled westbound in heavy traffic while committing numerous traffic offenses. At that time, Mills's family were considered to be hostages in extreme danger if he could not be immediately apprehended. Branson officers, with assistance from the Taney County Sheriffs Office, pursued the vehicle for several miles until tire deflation devices could be deployed successfully. At no point did Mills willingly cease his flight from officers.  

Once the vehicle was stopped, officers removed the family from the vehicle and brought them to a place of safety. They were not injured. Mills refused to exit the vehicle. K9 Rico was deployed and physically apprehended Mills, who surrendered shortly thereafter. Mills was given medical attention and transported to the Taney County Jail on numerous felony and misdemeanor charges.

The Branson Police Department is grateful for the assistance of our public safety partners in the successful resolution of this incident. We are proud of the way our officers and dispatchers acted decisively, resourcefully, and courageously to protect the lives of the family, mitigate risk to the public, and safely apprehend the suspect.