Suspect hit two law enforcement vehicles during chase then shot himself

FRANKLIN COUNTY — A suspect was taken to the hospital after leading deputies in a pursuit in a stolen vehicle Tuesday morning where he hit a deputy's vehicle and a Missouri State Highway Patrol vehicle then shot himself.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office learned of a stolen vehicle that was being tracked by OnStar at around 8:35 a.m. Tuesday.

According to a press release, the vehicle was stolen from Jefferson County.

Deputies and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers located the vehicle in the area of Del Vista Drive in Villa Ridge, Mo.

The driver tried to flee and drove the vehicle into the woods.

The sheriff's office said the suspect backed up and struck a Franklin County sheriff's patrol vehicle then hit an MSHP vehicle.

The suspect continued driving on Del Vista Drive approaching Highway M in Villa Ridge, the release said. Then deputies deployed tire deflation devices at the intersection of Highway M.

The suspect stopped after getting stuck on the edge of the bluff embankment around 9:49 a.m.

According to deputies, he had a firearm pointed at himselfwhen they approached the vehicle.

Franklin County negotiators attempted to negotiate with the suspect.

The suspect fired a single shot and shot himself around 1:39 p.m.

Deputies started life-saving efforts and the suspect was taken to the hospital. The status of the suspect is unknown.

The Boles Fire Protection District, the Washington Fire Department, and Meramec Ambulance assisted.