Officer shoots, kills suspect after pursuit in Washington County, Missouri

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. - A law enforcement officer fatally shot a suspect after a pursuit Wednesday in Washington County, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

The shooting happened at an undisclosed time Wednesday near Furnace Creek Road in Washington County.

According to the sheriff's office, multiple law enforcement officers initially responded to an assault call and reports that a suspect had beaten his girlfriend and stolen her car.

At some point on Wednesday, an officer saw the wanted car and attempted to stop it. A pursuit ensued, lasting around 20 minutes, mainly on rural roads.

The suspect then headed to a property on Furnace Creek Road, behind an abandoned home and the wanted car hit a tree.

According to the sheriff's office, a responding law enforcement officer approached the car after the collision and ordered the suspect out. The sheriff's office says suspect "came toward the officer," and the "officer barely got out of the way and fired shots into the car."

The suspect was fatally shot, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators have not yet disclosed the suspect's name, and it wasn't disclosed whether the suspect was armed.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation into the use of force. The law enforcement officer, who had six years of service, is on administrative leave and will go through counseling, according to the sheriff's office.

Additional details in the investigation are limited at this time. FOX 2 will update if more information becomes available.