Jefferson County officials asking FBI to help in shootout case

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is asking the FBI to step in and assist in the investigation of a shootout over the weekend.

Police have been working around the clock since the suspect in the shootout was shot, remaining in critical condition. Meanwhile, authorities still have more questions than answers.

Video captured the incident between the man and police. The suspect was wearing body armor, confronting officers near a busy shopping area in Jefferson County.

When the shootout ended, police found a woman’s body inside the pickup truck.

There is no information regarding a motive, the identity of the woman, and if the suspect knew the woman. Investigators do believe she was already deceased before the exchange of gunfire.

“As I sit here with the other chiefs, we are so thankful that we have these police officers that put themselves at risk for our community,” Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said. “This could have certainly turned out much worse.”

Crystal City Police Chief Chad Helms added that the suspect did fire at officers, who then returned fire back, ending the shootout.

Several agencies are working together to piece together information on what led up to the incident. It’s unclear what charges the man may face.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.