Full Notification

2 people in custody after Greene County Sheriff's Deputies pursue suspect in car break-ins who later attempts to steal a vehicle, shooting the driver

On Wednesday (09/09/15) morning at approximately 6:18 a.m., Greene County Sheriff's Deputies were proactively patrolling the area of South Canton Avenue and West Farm Road 146 which is an area that has seen an increase in reported thefts from vehicles. They observed a suspicious black Pontiac G6 and attempted to initiate a traffic stop with the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle drove through the residential area to elude Deputies. This vehicle also matches the description of an earlier report we received of one of the occupants exhibiting a firearm.

The suspect continued driving, leading GCSO Deputies in a pursuit through southwestern Greene County including into the city of Republic and Springfield. Stop sticks were deployed several times in various locations by GCSO Deputies, Republic Police Officers and later Springfield Police Officers as well. GCSO Deputies observed several items being thrown out of the vehicle during the pursuit.

After the vehicle became disabled on South Scenic Avenue on the James River Freeway overpass, the male driver exited from the vehicle and approached another vehicle on the roadway. The suspect opened the door and shot the victim, striking him once, before attempting to steal the vehicle; the victim exited the vehicle and was able to get to safe location. GCSO Deputies fired their weapons at the suspect who was also struck once and taken into custody. A female passenger in the Pontiac G6 was also taken into custody and transported to the Greene County Jail.

The victim of the attempted carjacking is a 47-year old male who is a Nixa resident. He was transported to a local hospital where he has undergone surgery for a serious gunshot injury and he is listed in stable condition.

The 53-year old male suspect was also taken to a local hospital for medical care. He sustained a single gunshot wound; he has been released from the hospital and transported to the Greene County Jail.

GCSO Detectives along with Deputies from the "Sheriff's Critical Incident Team" with Webster and Lawrence County Sheriff's Offices are actively investigating this incident. They are also working with the Springfield Police Department to determine if these two suspects are involved in other reported incidents from earlier this morning. One incident occurred at a local motel where a male suspect brandished a handgun at the motel manager; a male and female were seen fleeing the area in a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle involved in this morning's pursuit.

No other citizens or law enforcement officers were injured during this event. "The Deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is routine procedure, pending further investigation," states Sheriff Jim Arnott. "The important thing is the safety of our citizens and the Deputies protecting them. They have successfully removed another dangerous person from our streets who assaulted an innocent bystander. Our prayers go out to the victim involved in this for a full recovery."

GCSO Detectives have submitted charges to the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review.

*update*
The Greene County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has filed formal charges on DAVID COX, JR with:
- one Felony count of First Degree Assault
- one Felony count of Armed Criminal Action
(warrant #1531-CR05592, no bond available)