KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating the use of force by a State Trooper which resulted in a fatality.
Just before 1:30a.m. Saturday, a trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol observed a silver Chevrolet Tahoe traveling northbound on Interstate 35 south of Chouteau Trafficway in Clay County Missouri, according to a statement from the patrol.
The driver of the SUV was suspected of being intoxicated, as the vehicle failed to maintain a single lane and almost struck a guard rail in the area multiple times. This created a danger to the public.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop on the SUV but the driver fled and a pursuit ensued. At 1:21a.m. on northbound Interstate 35 south of Brighton Avenue, the trooper conducted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention to end the pursuit and reduce risk to public safety. The SUV traveled off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and rolled. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased.
The MSHP is investigating the use of force, per Patrol policy. The MSHP's major crash investigation unit is in charge of reconstructing the crash. Upon completion of the investigation, the reports will be forwarded to the Clay County Attorney's office.