Washington County Pursuit Ends in Fatal Deputy-Involved Shooting

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A vehicle pursuit in Washington County on Wednesday, August 20, ended in a fatal deputy-involved shooting after a suspect attempted to flee law enforcement and drove toward a deputy.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, a six-year veteran corporal initiated a pursuit involving a white male suspect wanted for questioning in the assault of his girlfriend. Authorities say the suspect was also driving a vehicle allegedly stolen from the female victim. The chase came to an end on Furnace Creek Road, where the suspect stopped behind an abandoned house. When the deputy approached and ordered the man to exit, the suspect tried to flee again but crashed into a tree after a short distance.

Officials report the deputy gave additional commands, but the suspect’s vehicle dislodged from the tree and accelerated directly toward the deputy. The corporal then discharged his firearm, striking the suspect multiple times. The vehicle collided with the deputy’s patrol car before coming to rest.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. In keeping with protocol, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is now leading the investigation into the incident.