ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A Calverton Park man was charged after fleeing police in a stolen car and striking multiple vehicles, all while three children were in the back seat on Monday.

According to the St. Louis County Police probable cause statement, the incident started on Monday after officers noticed a stolen 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 at a stop light in Florissant.

When officers approached the vehicle and instructed the driver, Mikel Patterson, 22, to stop, they placed a tire deflation device in front of the vehicle.

Instead of stopping, police say Patterson drove over the deflation device and attempted to drive between two vehicles at the intersection, striking them both and causing significant damage.

According to authorities, Patterson continued to flee by crossing over the center median and traveling northbound in the southbound lanes.

As Patterson continued to flee, police say he struck an additional three vehicles before the vehicle stopped and became inoperable. Patterson was then arrested and taken into custody.

As authorities approached the vehicle, police say they found a 6-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 3-month-old sitting in the backseat wearing no seatbelt. The police also found a firearm in the vehicle.

During an interview with police, Patterson said the firearm was his and that he purchased the Mercedes for $2,000 in St. Louis City. Patterson further told police that he drove away from them because “he was not thinking.”

According to police, the Mercedes was reported to have been stolen in the state of Indiana on April 30.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Patterson with first-degree tampering with a vehicle, resisting arrest by fleeing, three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and five counts of leaving the scene of an accident.

Patterson is being held on a $125,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Patterson is next set to appear in court on September 19 for a preliminary hearing.