On Nov. 19, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a stolen 2004 Chevrolet pickup in Texas County, which was believed to be operated by suspected fugitive, Darryl L. Eye, 49, of Licking.
Felony warrants for tampering first degree and resisting arrest had been issued for Eye by Laclede County. Misdemeanor warrants for possession of marijuana and no valid driver’s license had been issued for Eye by Dallas County. Eye also was suspected of stealing a 2000 Kia on Nov. 11.
Eye refused to stop for the officer and a pursuit ensued, which went from Texas County into Dent County on Missouri Route 32. During that pursuit, Eye caused his vehicle to strike the front of the trooper’s cruiser, disabling the patrol vehicle.
Eye continued and was not located that night.
At approximately noon, Nov. 20, information developed indicating that Eye was possibly on or near a county road, north of Interstate 44, in western Pulaski County. Approximately 30 minutes later, troopers located the stolen Chevrolet pickup, occupied by a white male, which they believed to be Eye, backed into a wooded area off Randolph Road, approximately one mile west of Missouri Route 7.
When troopers ordered the suspect to show his hands he refused to comply. He then accelerated and steered his vehicle toward the officers. In response, the troopers fired at the suspect with their Patrol issued rifles. The suspect then drove west on Randolph Road, while being pursued by officers, until the vehicle traveled off the left side of the road and stopped. At that time, the trooper observed the suspect moving around in his vehicle and brandishing a firearm. The trooper responded by firing his Patrol-issued rifle at the suspect.
The suspect, who was wounded fatally, was identified as Darryl L. Eye. It was discovered that Eye had in his possession a handgun, containing spent shell casings.
An autopsy was to be conducted on Monday to determine the cause of death.
The investigation of the shooting is ongoing by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
