The suspect has been identified as 27-year-old Jay Hicks from Webb City, Mo.
At around 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, an officer with the Carterville Police Department attempted to stop a red Hummer that had been reported stolen.
The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. After a short time the vehicle crashed and the suspect exited the vehicle, ran up to a residence and accosted a citizen, taking his car keys. The suspect stole that vehicle and again fled westbound on 171. At this point, Jasper County deputies became involved in the pursuit as the suspect drove the wrong way around the roundabout at Stone’s Corner, causing a number of collisions.
The pursuit continued back east and the suspect crashed near the intersection of Prairie Flower and 171. The suspect then fled on foot and attempted to hide under a tractor trailer on the parking lot of a business at this intersection. The suspect then fired a shot at officers as they began to surround him. He then fired a second shot resulting in a fatal self-inflicted injury. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect was identified as a 27-year-old male from Webb City. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Officers with numerous agencies assisted with this incident. The Missouri Highway Patrol was called to assist with the investigation. No officers or deputies were injured.
