Suspect Shot At Big Rigs In Hopes Of Causing Major Crash During Police Pursuit

Two people are facing federal charges after a police pursuit during which they shot at several big rigs in hopes of causing a major crash that would help them to escape.

Suspects In Stolen Vehicle Pursued By Police

The pursuit began just before 3 a.m. on Thursday when police spotted a Jeep that had been reported stolen at a Midway Travel Center near Columbia, Missouri. As the officer approached, Russell Deane Moore, Jr., 25, and Victoria Ann Buol, 24, fled in the Jeep.

As the officer pursued, Moore reportedly fired several shots at him. The couple even stopped the vehicle during the pursuit so that Moore could get out and fire at the officer. The chase resumed, but the officer’s vehicle was soon too disabled to pursue the suspects. Other law enforcement officers joined the chase.

Suspects Hoped To Shoot A Truck And Cause A Major Crash In Order To Stop Police Pursuit

As the chase moved onto eastbound I-70, the suspects fired at four big rigs, coming close to hitting one of the drivers. The suspects later said that they were attempting to cause a major crash that would stop police from pursuing them.

The suspects also continued to fire at the pursuing police officers until the Jeep ran out of gas on County Road 172.

They were arrested and are facing federal charges for possession of a firearm with a previous felony conviction. Other charges are likely to follow.

Sources:
The Columbia Missourian
The Fulton Sun