CUBA, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—
A shoot out on Interstate 44 between lawmen and a felony suspect ends with the suspect being shot and killed near Cuba, Missouri. Cuba police got a call from the Secret Service in Dallas telling officers that a man wanted on a felony warrant who was probably armed and dangerous was in their area. Police spotted the suspect and he took off. Sheriff Randy Martin explained, "He attempted to flee and in doing so dragged a Cuba police officer a short distance." The officer was not seriously hurt.David Maylee witnessed the chase, "It's alarming for people that live on the highway. You never know what's going down anymore."
Local authorities were trying to arrest the Texas man and then the Missouri Highway Patrol joined in and that's when it all came to an end on I-44 near Cuba.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Dan Crain said, "They set down several sets of tire spikes, which did deflate three of the four tires on the truck, before it did go off the right side of the road." The sheriff says the driver jumped out and with a handgun.
Maylee says, "Heard some of the guns firing and stuff that was really scary."
Crawford County Sheriff Randy Martin explained, "Initially held a pistol to his head and then pointed the pistol at deputies, and a state trooper that was on the scene, fired one shot at the deputies and the trooper on the scene returned fire."
The suspect was wounded, taken to the hospital, and died.
When asked if this may have been suicide by cop, the Sheriff answered, "That would be pure speculation at this point."
The Secret Service says this had nothing to do with any threats against any of the officials they protect. Agents in St. Louis say the Secret Service was involved because, besides drugs and a violent history, the suspect may have also been involved in identity theft.
