Shots Fired During Foot Pursuit in Bonne Terre; No Injuries Reported

Bonne Terre, Mo. (KFMO) - The Bonne Terre Police Department is releasing details surrounding a law enforcement incident that occurred Tuesday afternoon during the search for a wanted subject.

According to police, on January 6, 2026, at approximately 3 p.m., officers were actively attempting to locate an individual wanted on felony arrest warrants. An officer observed the wanted subject riding as a passenger in a vehicle near the intersection of Berry Road and Route K. As officers attempted to catch up to the vehicle, it turned onto Savannah Lane. Before a traffic stop could be initiated, the wanted subject exited the vehicle near Savannah Lane and Hazel Street and fled on foot.

An officer pursued the subject southbound across a business parking lot and into a nearby wooded area. During the foot pursuit, gunshots were heard. At that time, it was unclear who had fired the shots or whether law enforcement officers were being targeted. The wanted subject was taken into custody a short time later without incident.

A subsequent investigation determined that the gunshots were not fired by police. Authorities say the shots were discharged by an unrelated armed citizen who witnessed the chase and reportedly fired the weapon in an attempt to deter the fleeing suspect.

Police noted that the incident occurred near an open daycare facility, which may have caused alarm to staff and children in the area. The Bonne Terre Police Department says it understands the concern this situation created and emphasizes that public safety remains a top priority.

While the department supports the constitutional right to bear arms, police stress that responsible and lawful firearm use is critical. Any discharge of a firearm must comply with Missouri law and established use-of-force standards. No officers fired their weapons, and no injuries were reported.

The incident remains under investigation, and a report regarding the firearm discharge will be forwarded to the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.