A driver was critically injured early Friday morning following an officer-involved shooting and vehicle pursuit that began with a reported narcotics transaction north of West Plains.
The incident began at about 1:07 a.m. when a West Plains police officer initiated a traffic stop on northbound U.S. 63 near County Road 1820.
During the stop, an officer discharged a firearm at the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The driver then fled the scene, continuing northbound on U.S. 63.
The Howell County Sheriff’s Office took over primary responsibility for the pursuit, which ultimately ended with the suspect being taken into custody and transported for emergency medical treatment.
City officials said there is no ongoing threat to the community related to the incident.
