SPRINGFIELD, MO — Christian Bentz, a Springfield man, was sentenced on Monday for stealing a car and resisting arrest, leading to a high-speed chase. The charges stemmed from an incident on February 2, 2024, when Bentz was found driving a stolen vehicle, which led to a 15-minute pursuit with law enforcement.
Bentz, 29, was sentenced to at least five years for several charges, including:
Resisting Arrest (4 years)
Two Counts of Stealing a Motor Vehicle (5 years for each count)
Unlawful Use of a Weapon (4 years)
The court did not specify whether Bentz would serve his sentences concurrently or consecutively but mentioned that he must complete Intensive Treatment Court (ITC) before being placed on probation. ITC is a program that provides alternative sentencing for individuals whose crimes appear to be motivated by treatable underlying concerns.
During the chase, Bentz fled on foot after a high-speed pursuit. He later admitted to smoking methamphetamine about an hour and a half before the incident. The case highlights the ongoing challenges posed by substance abuse and criminal behavior.
Bentz will serve his prison time as part of the court’s decision and undergo treatment to address his underlying issues.
