Police Shoot Armed Man, Resulting in Woman’s Death

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – A chaotic scene unfolded on Highway 67 in Jefferson County on Sunday as law enforcement officers fatally shot an armed man who was wearing body armor, resulting in the tragic discovery of a woman’s body inside his pickup truck.

Standoff on Highway 67

The incident began when Festus Police Chief Doug Wendel received reports of shots fired near a White Castle on Highway A near Interstate 55 around 11:10 a.m. Responding officers from Festus and the Crystal City Police Departments located the suspect’s truck as it tried to turn south from Highway A onto Highway 67.

Exchange of Gunfire

Festus and Crystal City officers pursued the suspect’s truck, which ultimately crashed into a concrete median on Highway 67 before careening into the northbound lanes near an Aldi and Dollar Tree. The driver emerged from the truck wearing body armor and brandishing a weapon, prompting two Crystal City officers to engage in a firefight with the armed individual.

Crystal City Police Chief Chad Helms revealed that the suspect was in possession of multiple firearms, though the exact number of shots fired during the confrontation remains unknown. Fortunately, both Crystal City officers emerged unscathed from the intense exchange.

Tragic Discovery

Upon subduing the suspect, authorities made a grim discovery inside the man’s truck – the lifeless body of a woman. Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak expressed the belief that the woman had already succumbed to her fate before the shootout with law enforcement unfolded.

“As I sit here with the other chiefs, we are so thankful that we have these police officers that put themselves at risk for our community,” Marshak remarked, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of the responding officers. “This could have certainly turned out much worse.”

Ongoing Investigation

The injured suspect remains in critical condition at a local hospital under the watchful eye of JCSO spokesperson Grant Bissell. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the investigation and is urging anyone with pertinent information, footage, or eyewitness accounts of the initial shots fired or the subsequent altercation to contact their detective bureau at crimetips@jeffcomo.org.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face on a daily basis while striving to uphold public safety and protect the community from harm. Let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices these brave individuals make to ensure our well-being and security.