WEBB CITY, OSAGE COUNTY, OK — A missing 10-year-old girl was safely recovered Saturday evening after a tense, multi-agency manhunt ended in a deadly vehicle crash involving the suspected abductor, 51-year-old Jimmy Allison Schimmeles Jr., of Shidler. According to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded in the rural community of Webb City and culminated in a dramatic pursuit through the Oklahoma countryside.
Deputies were first called to a residence near Shidler around 6 p.m. on June 28, after the young girl was reported missing. Law enforcement immediately launched a large-scale search involving approximately 20 personnel, including Osage County deputies, reserve officers, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers, and other assisting agencies.
Coordinated Search and Rapid Response
In response to the urgency of the situation, authorities deployed drones, K-9 units, and ATVs in a grid-style search of the surrounding rural area. While investigators began the process of issuing a public missing child alert, they confirmed that the case initially did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert. In the meantime, the Sheriff’s Office quickly shared the child’s description across social media platforms to generate leads.
Through interviews with family members, deputies identified Jimmy Allison Schimmeles Jr. as a person of interest — someone known to the family. Investigators were able to track Schimmeles’ cell phone to a remote ranchland area near Lyman, close to the Kay County and Cowley County, Kansas state line, in the far northwestern corner of Osage County.
Chase Begins After Suspect Located
Deputies located Schimmeles’ vehicle hidden in a field and attempted to make contact. However, when law enforcement activated emergency lights and identified themselves, Schimmeles fled the scene, initiating a 20-mile high-speed pursuit that looped back toward Webb City.
As the pursuit neared the child’s home, deputies had set up containment points. Authorities say Schimmeles briefly stopped the vehicle, giving the 10-year-old girl an opportunity to escape. She ran to safety and was immediately secured by deputies and reunited with her family, physically unharmed but emotionally shaken.
Pursuit Ends in Fatal Crash
Despite the child’s safe escape, Schimmeles continued to flee from law enforcement at high speeds toward State Highway 11. During the final phase of the chase, his vehicle left the roadway and crashed. Emergency responders declared Jimmy Allison Schimmeles Jr. dead at the scene.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation, while the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is assisting with the investigation into Schimmeles’ death and the broader circumstances of the abduction.
Community Relief and Ongoing Investigations
The outcome — while tragic in part — brought relief to the family and the surrounding community who feared the worst when the child initially vanished. Law enforcement officials praised the girl’s bravery and the coordinated effort by all agencies involved.
“This child showed courage beyond her years, and the dedication of our team helped ensure her safe return,” said a representative from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the timeline of events, including Schimmeles’ connection to the family and any criminal history he may have had. Support services have been made available to the victim and her loved ones.
At this time, officials emphasize there is no further threat to the public.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.