MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop H Headquarters-3525 North Belt-St. Joseph, MO 64506


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jacob P. Angle
(816)387-2345, ext. 3847
H113015
November 30, 2015

EMPHASIS: Officer Involved Shooting--Suspect Identified


On November 29, 2015, officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Dekalb County Sheriff's Department responded to U.S. Highway 36 and Thorton Road in Dekalb County for a domestic disturbance. Upon the officers arrival a white male suspect exited the residence and pointed a rifle at the officers. The officers ordered the suspect to drop the weapon and the suspect failed to comply, at which time the officers discharged their weapons fatally wounding the suspect.

The deceased suspect has been identified as Lionel S. Kerns, 53, of Stewartsville, Missouri. The investigation continues by the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Dekalb County Sheriff's Department.
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