Kansas City, MO — Authorities say a dangerous overnight pursuit in Buckner, Missouri escalated into an officer-involved shooting early Sunday morning, leaving a suspect hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) is now leading the investigation into the use of force, while Buckner Police Department continues to review criminal elements tied to the incident.
Timeline of the Incident
According to MSHP, the situation unfolded around 1:25 a.m., when a Buckner police officer began pursuing a suspect traveling westbound on US-24 Highway near Hoover Road. As the chase progressed toward Blue Mills Road, the suspect allegedly crossed into the eastbound lanes, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic.
Troopers say the suspect’s vehicle then came to a pause before shifting into reverse. The driver is accused of suddenly accelerating forward, colliding directly with the officer’s patrol vehicle.
Officer Opens Fire After Collision
Following the impact, the officer fired their service weapon, striking the suspect. MSHP confirms the suspect was taken into custody immediately afterward and transported to a nearby hospital. The injuries are described as non-life-threatening.
The Buckner officer did not sustain injuries in the crash or shooting, according to initial reports.
Investigation Underway
The dual-agency investigation is organized as follows:
- MSHP handling the officer-involved shooting review
- Buckner Police Department investigating criminal charges stemming from the pursuit and the alleged assault on an officer
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect or released any details regarding what prompted the initial pursuit.
Public Safety Concerns
Driving the wrong way on high-speed roads like US-24 Highway is a growing concern in Missouri, posing severe risks to:
- Law enforcement
- Other motorists
- Pedestrians
- Emergency responders working roadside
Wrong-way crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to head-on impact forces. In this case, immediate action prevented major harm to other drivers, but officials say the situation could have ended much worse.
Residents in the Buckner and Eastern Jackson County area may notice increased patrols as investigators work through evidence, including:
- Dash-camera recordings
- Highway surveillance footage
- Witness interviews
- Damage analysis from both vehicles
Officer Protocol and Accountability
Officer-involved shootings in Missouri automatically trigger independent review by MSHP. That protocol ensures that all decisions made during high-risk encounters, such as this pursuit, undergo complete transparency and accountability.
Once the investigation concludes, findings will be reviewed by prosecutors to determine whether further action is necessary.
Community Reaction and Awareness
Events like this continue to raise important discussions around:
- Pursuit policies
- Roadway safety
- Officer-involved use of force standards
Local leaders are expected to release additional updates as investigators gather more information and evaluate the sequence of events.
Have You Seen Overnight Police Activity?
Do you live near US-24 Highway or Hoover Road and notice law enforcement presence last night?
Share what you observed or how these incidents affect your sense of safety in the community. Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
