Fleeing suspect in vehicle runs over Greene County deputy

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Greene County Deputies responded to a residence in the 1200 block of State Highway WW in Springfield, for a domestic disturbance.

Deputies remained in the area to try and locate the suspect. The suspect drove back by the victim's house and a car stop was attempted.

The suspect failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. Information was provided that the suspect was also possibly wanted for a probation violation. 

The suspect fled northbound on State Highway 13 into Polk County. Deputies received assistance in the pursuit from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Pleasant Hope Police and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The pursuit continued north to just south of Bolivar. The suspect turned around and proceeded back south bound on SH 13.

The suspect continued south to E 565th and SH 13 in Polk County.

At that intersection a Greene County Deputy was stopped, and parked off of the roadway in an attempt to deploy stop sticks.

In what appears to be a deliberate act the suspect veered off of the road and struck our Deputy.

Deputies immediately took the suspects into custody and began to render aide to our injured Deputy.
The injured Deputy was transported by Air with very serious injuries to a local hospital.

Greene County Detectives, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office remain on scene investigating this event. The Missouri Department of Transportation is aiding with traffic direction and detouring.

Significant impacts to traffic are being experienced at this time.

Sheriff Arnott and Sheriff Morrison want to thank all agencies involved for their assistance. Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and MODOT all worked seamlessly together in this event. Sheriff Arnott states "I would ask the community to please keep our Deputy and his family in your thoughts and prayers. We are working closely with Polk County Sheriff Morrison, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Springfield Police Department to investigate this incident. I want to also thank my Deputies for their professionalism and dedication as we investigate this horrible assault.”

The Greene County Deputy who was injured in today's incident at State Highway 13 and E. 565th Rd. is Lieutenant Steven Westbrook. Steven has served GCSO for 24 years. Lt. Westbrook remains in serious but stable condition.