NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt

(660) 385-2132

B05107

October 29, 2005



EMPHASIS: Officer Involved Shooting in Clarence, Missouri





On Friday, October 28, 2005, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a Clarence Police Officer was conducting a consent search in an outbuilding located at 209 West Elm Street, in Clarence, Missouri, in an attempt to locate Bobbie A. Mefford Jr., 31, of Clarence, Missouri. Mefford was being sought by law enforcement authorities on an active Shelby County warrant following his involvement in a pursuit that occurred earlier in the day in southern Shelby County, involving members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.



Upon entering the building, a struggle between Mefford and the Clarence Police Officer ensued at which time Mefford was able to obtain the officer’s pepper spray and used it on the officer. Due to the officer’s vision and respiratory capacity being impaired, he drew his service weapon and discharged one round, which struck Mefford on his left side approximately two inches above his hip. Mefford was initially transported to the Macon Samaritan Hospital by a Macon County Ambulance, and then was later airlifted to the University Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri. His present condition is unknown at this time.

The charges listed on the Shelby County warrant for Mefford consisted of Felony Driving While Revoked, Felony Resisting Arrest by Fleeing, Failure to stop at a Stop Sign, Failure to Signal, and No Seat Belt, with a bond set at $11,000 cash only. Other charges are pending.



The incident was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control Unit and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.



The charges for which the individual was arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty if to determine guilt or innocence.