INDEPENDENCE, MO (KCTV) -
The bad guys were caught, but the good guys may be left holding the bag.
This is because Independence police put down stop sticks that damaged innocent bystanders' tires.
Police chased a stolen van from Blue Springs into Independence about 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Nichole Faulkner was traveling north on Highway 291 near U.S. 40 when police deployed stop sticks. Police motioned for Faulkner and another motorist to change lanes.
When she did, her four tires went flight. The man saw at least one of his tires damaged.
"We were all scared because I didn't realize what happened to the car," Faulkner said. "I just knew the whole front end went boom, boom, boom. It was like skidding. I was scared."
The officer explained he tried to move the stop sticks, but the string broke. He was unable to pull them away and the cars were damaged.
"He was genuinely apologetic and nice about it," Faulkner said. "He felt bad and wanted to make sure everyone was OK."
Faulkner is a single mother of two children. She is trying to rebuild her life and doesn't have the extra money to buy new tires. Her relatives had to pay $80 to have the vehicle towed from the highway.
Police at the scene contacted the chief of police, who relayed a message that the city wouldn't cover the costs to replace the tires. Faulkner estimates new tires will cost at least $300.
That's money she doesn't have.
"I'm a single mom with small kids. And I just moved here. I'm trying to work and start my life over," she said. "And this is a major derailment."
City officials have told Faulkner to fill out claim forms to ask to have her costs reimbursed. City officials will then review the issue and determine whether to accept or reject the claim. This is likely to take weeks.
Police were able to take the two suspects into custody.
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