Washington Co. Mo. officials investigating deputy involved shooting

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. (KFVS) - Officials in Washington, Co., Mo. are investigating a deputy involved shooting.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, on Feb. 21, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 15000 block of North State Highway 21 for a possible suicide.

The Washington County Ambulance District set a stage near the scene.

When the deputies arrived, they contacted a woman resident of the house. She told deputies that the male subject had not committed suicide but was in the bedroom asleep.

Deputies asked to speak with the male subject. They found him fully clothed and awake in bed, with both hands and his body under blankets.

The deputies told the male subject the reason for their presence.

A deputy saw blood in the sink and bathtub in the adjacent bathroom, they asked the male if he was injured.

Deputies saw a long bulge beneath the blanket that was pointed in the direction of the deputies.

They asked the male subject to show them this hands, to check for injuries.

He refused and began conversing about the deputies dying tonight and implying he had a weapon.

The male subject moved his right hand from beneath the blanket and revealed a pistol.

He pointed at a deputy.

The male subject threatened to kill everyone, He stated everyone was going to die tonight.

Deputies attempted to deescalate the situation, but the male subject told deputies they were not leaving alive.

The male subject then aimed the pistol it at a deputy’s head.

The deputy, fearing for his safety and the safety of others, shot the male subject.

The male subject died.

Washington County Ambulance personnel were across the street. They immediately entered the residence, after hearing the shots fired call over the radio.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol was summoned to the scene to complete the investigation.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C Corporal Justin Wheetley, they are assisting Washington County Sheriff’s Office by investigating the “use of force” in the incident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation along with the Washington County Coroner’s investigation will be forwarded to the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office upon completion.

This is done in all law enforcement shootings so that a thorough and independent review is completed.

The Washington County Sheriff stated in a release that he “will not be releasing the name of the deceased or the deputies involved until the investigation is completed, nor will [he] release any further information not contained herein.”

The Potosi Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Washington County Ambulance District and the Washington County Coroner’s Office assisted.

Copyright 2020 KFVS. All rights reserved.