Foot Chase, Firearms, and Multiple Warrants: Troy Traffic Stop Escalates Quickly

TROY, MO — A St. Louis man is facing felony charges in Lincoln County after a traffic stop Thursday night led to a foot chase and the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition during a search of the vehicle, according to authorities.

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Billy Lee Harper Williams

Williams remains in custody at the Lincoln County Jail on a $15,000 cash-only bond. Court-ordered conditions include no contact with any victim(s).

Charges

• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony by Fleeing (Felony)

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The incident occurred Thursday, January 29, at approximately 10:20 p.m., when a peace officer with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office observed a silver Mazda traveling eastbound on Hwy 47 with a non-functioning license plate light.

The vehicle turned onto Gravens Road, where the officer initiated a traffic stop near Shirley Drive in Troy (Lincoln County). As the vehicle was stopping, a front passenger later identified as Williams reportedly jumped out and ran behind a nearby residence before officers could take him into custody.

During a search of the vehicle, officers reported recovering multiple firearms and items of ammunition. Items listed as seized include a .22 rifle, a revolver, a pellet rifle, and a BB handgun, along with a handgun magazine and multiple calibers of ammunition. The magazine was reported to be located in the front center console with multiple rounds, and additional ammunition was reported to be located in the trunk.

Authorities also cited multiple active warrants tied to Williams at the time of the stop. Those warrants were listed as including: seven larceny warrants out of Wentzville, one trespassing warrant out of Wentzville, three shoplifting warrants out of Wentzville, five stealing warrants out of Lincoln County, one possession warrant out of St. Charles County, and one stealing warrant out of Troy.

Shirley Drive, Troy — location of the traffic stop that led to a foot chase and firearms-related charges, according to court records.

A criminal history summary cited in the court documents lists the following prior convictions associated with Williams:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance (guilty plea entered 02/14/2011)

• Burglary, 2nd Degree (listed with a three-year sentence entered 04/20/2012)

• Stealing (listed as 02/08/2022)

• Stealing/Larceny/Theft (listed as 04/29/2024)

• Shoplifting (listed as 09/10/2024)

• Felony Stealing (listed with probation and a suspended sentence entered 10/06/2025)

Investigators stated Williams is a previously convicted felon and is not allowed to possess firearms under Missouri law. Authorities also reported that Williams agreed to speak with investigators and stated he ran from the traffic stop because he knew he had active warrants.

All charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Have information related to this incident, corrections to this report, or a matter that should be covered? You may contact Lincoln CountyWatch by email at tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com or by phone at 636-377-0201. Information may be submitted confidentially.

This article was written by John Eads. Lincoln CountyWatch reports based on information contained in official public records and documents provided by authorities. Lincoln CountyWatch does not independently verify the accuracy of those records and is not responsible for errors or omissions contained within them.

Source: Missouri Courts warrant and probable cause documents.