Police Pursuit Ends with Two Gunshot Injuries

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By Marlana Smith

A Moberly, Mo., man is facing multiple counts of armed criminal action and first-degree assault after fleeing from police and allegedly shooting and injuring a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

According to information released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at 7:59 p.m., Northeast Missouri Emergency Communication requested assistance with locating a suspect alleged to have previously fled in a vehicle from the Adams County Illinois Sheriff’s Office and the Quincy Illinois Police Department.

The probable cause statement states, Erik A. Prange, 51, of Moberly, Mo., was driving a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer hauling a Jeep, when crossing the bridge into Missouri on I-72/US 36.

At approximately 8:16 p.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper located the vehicle westbound on U.S. 36, west of Hannibal, and attempted to stop the vehicle, resulting in a pursuit.

Information released by the MSHP states, troopers successfully deployed spike strips and the vehicle exited U.S. 36, at Missouri 151 in Clarence, and stopped.

Court documents state, Prange allegedly partially exited the vehicle, fired one round striking an individual and a patrol vehicle through the driver’s side of the front windshield. Prange allegedly entered his vehicle, chambered a round and fired towards another patrol vehicle, striking it in the front windshield. Troopers returned fire, striking Prange.

Prange sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

During the exchange of gunfire, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was struck by gunfire. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Prange is being charged is case number 24SB-CR00022 by Shelby County Prosecutor Jordan Force with four counts of Assault 1^st Degree or Attempt – Serious Physical Injury Or Special Victim – Felony A and four counts of Armed Criminal Action – Felony Unclassified.

As of Friday, January 26, Prange remained in custody and no bond has been authorized.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilty. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilty or innocence.