Kansas City, Missouri, October 18, 2025
News Summary
A 37-year-old woman, Tanika Tatum, has been charged with multiple felonies after leading police on a high-speed chase with a 15-month-old boy in her vehicle. The police pursuit raised serious concerns regarding child endangerment. After being apprehended, Tatum escaped from police custody only to be subdued with a taser. This incident marks a troubling pattern for Tatum, who has faced similar charges in the past. She is currently held on a $100,000 bond and is awaiting her court appearance.
Kansas City, MO – A 37-year-old woman named Tanika Tatum is facing multiple charges after leading police on a high-speed pursuit with a young child in the vehicle. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has raised serious concerns regarding child endangerment.
According to court documents filed in Jackson County, Tatum faces three felonies: aggravated fleeing and endangering the welfare of a child. The police chase began just before 12:45 p.m. near 40 Highway and Sterling Avenue when an officer recognized Tatum’s vehicle, a Ford Escape, and initiated the pursuit due to outstanding warrants related to previous child endangerment, DWI, and aggravated fleeing charges.
The pursuit culminated when Tatum stopped her vehicle on a bridge over Van Brunt Boulevard and exited the car. In a bid to evade capture, Tatum reportedly stepped over a guardrail and ran; however, she was quickly apprehended by the police. Despite being placed in a police vehicle, Tatum managed to escape by freeing her left arm from her handcuffs before officers successfully subdued her using a taser.
At the time of the chase, Tatum had two other adults and a 15-month-old boy in her vehicle. The involvement of the child has prompted law enforcement officials to brand Tatum as a flight risk and a danger to society, as her actions displayed a total disregard for the child’s safety, placing the minor in significant danger.
This incident marks the second police chase involving Tatum. The first occurred on March 29, 2025, during which her son was also present in the vehicle, showing a troubling pattern of behavior. Following Wednesday’s incident, Tatum is currently detained at the Jackson County Detention Center. She is being held on a bond set at $100,000 and is also being held for the Cole County Sheriff’s Office.
Tatum’s initial court appearance is set for Monday at 1:30 p.m., where further legal proceedings will evaluate the extent of the charges against her and determine the appropriate course of action.
Background Context
The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the prevalence of child endangerment within dangerous driving conditions. Tatum’s previous record raises alarming flags about her ability to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of her children, as evidenced by past incidents that led her to face similar charges. The court’s evaluation of this case will also shed light on broader societal issues regarding reckless driving and child safety.
Key Findings
- Tanika Tatum is charged with three felonies.
- The police chase began near 40 Highway and Sterling Avenue.
- There was a child and two adults in her vehicle during the pursuit.
- Tatum has a history of similar offenses.
- She is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Tanika Tatum?
Tanika Tatum, a 37-year-old woman from Kansas City, is facing charges for leading police on a pursuit.
What charges has Tatum faced?
Court documents filed in Jackson County charge Tatum with three felonies: aggravated fleeing a stop and endangering the welfare of a child.
When did the police chase occur?
The police chase began just before 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday near 40 Highway and Sterling Avenue.
What happened during the chase?
The pursuit ended when Tatum stopped her vehicle on a bridge over Van Brunt Boulevard and exited the car.
Was there a child involved in the incident?
Yes, there were two other adults and a 15-month-old boy in Tatum’s vehicle at the time of the chase.
What is Tatum’s current status?
Tatum is currently detained at the Jackson County Detention Center and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
When is Tatum’s court appearance?
Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday at 1:30 p.m.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Tanika Tatum |
| Age | 37 years old |
| Charges | Aggravated fleeing, endangering child welfare |
| Vehicle Involved | Ford Escape |
| Time of Incident | Just before 12:45 p.m. Wednesday |
| Location | Near 40 Highway and Sterling Avenue |
| Child Involved | 15-month-old boy |
| Detention Location | Jackson County Detention Center |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 |
| Court Appearance | Monday at 1:30 p.m. |
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Kansas City Woman Arrested Again After Leading Police Chase with Child in Back Seat
- Kansas City Star: Local Crime News
- Fox4KC: Lanes Closed on I-29 After Chase Ends in Crash
- Google Search: Child Endangerment Laws
- KMBC: Officer Injured in Crash Following Chase
- Wikipedia: Child Endangerment
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
