MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. John J. Hotz
Q6262015-2 (573) 526-6115

June 26, 2015
EMPHASIS: UPDATE: Troop F Officer Involved Shooting -- Callaway County

At  10:37 pm on June 25, 2015, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop on a Chevrolet passenger car on eastbound Interstate 70, just west of Kingdom City, MO. The driver, Ronnie J. Lee, 24, of Fulton, MO, refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.  The trooper radioed for assistance and another trooper responded.  The pursuit traveled into Kingdom City, and the suspect’s vehicle briefly came to a stop.  One male passenger fled on foot and was detained by the assisting trooper.  The vehicle fled again and the pursuit continued westbound on U.S. Highway 54.  The Callaway County Sheriff's Department was notified and deputies responded to assist.

The pursuit entered the city of Fulton and ultimately ended on Dawson Street (located on the north side of Fulton).  

A preliminary investigation revealed Lee opened the driver’s door before  his vehicle came to a stop.  Lee displayed a handgun as he exited his vehicle.  The trooper fired several rounds, hitting Lee once.  Lee was taken into custody and transported to University Hospital in Columbia, MO, for treatment and later released from the hospital.  Lee was arrested for possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana, felony possession of a controlled substance ─ cocaine, felony resisting arrest, felony unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, excessive speed, and careless and imprudent driving.  Lee is currently being held in the Callaway County Jail.

A loaded handgun was recovered at the scene and a computer check revealed that it had been reported stolen.  
The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.

An additional male passenger in the vehicle was detained.

The charges for which Lee has been arrested are mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.


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