dpPursuit near Gower, Missouri, ends with explosion that sends shrapnel into patrol vehicles
GOWER, Mo. —
Clinton County deputies escaped injury Saturday when an explosion inside a fleeing man’s vehicle sent shrapnel into their patrol vehicles near Gower.
The sheriff’s office said on Saturday the incident began around 11:37 a.m. when the sheriff’s office received a 911 call about a person who was suicidal.
Deputies contacted the person who made the report and learned that the man allegedly threatened “suicide by cop” and was believed to have had a gun and explosive devices.
Forty minutes later, deputies found the man carrying a black backpack.
The sheriff’s office said he refused deputies’ commands and drove away from the area.
During the pursuit, the man allegedly drove head-on toward the deputies and held a possible explosive device outside his window.
After the pursuit moved into an open field behind a Gower restaurant, an explosion was reported in the man’s car.
The sheriff’s office said shrapnel from the blast struck patrol vehicles, but no deputies were hurt.
A perimeter was established around the vehicle and homes in the area were cleared as authorities checked for other explosive devices.
Christopher Williams, 54, was identified as the man in the car.
