WENTZVILLE, Mo. — 5 On Your Side has learned new details about a dead driver at the center of a shooting involving police officers in Wentzville.
Wentzville Police Sergeant Jacob Schmidt said the man died in a hospital early Wednesday morning after being shot by two St. Charles County Regional Crime Reduction Task Force officers during a police chase near Wentzville Parkway.
On Thursday, the suspect was identified as Sonny Vincent, 36, of Middleton, Missouri. Police identified the passenger in the reportedly stolen truck as Amber Smith, 37.
According to the Wentzville Police Department, the incident began at about 10:45 p.m. Tuesday when the St. Charles County Reduction Task Force attempted to make a traffic stop for a tag violation.
Police said Vincent failed to stop, triggering a chase on westbound Interstate 70 at Route 79.
Officers called for backup and threw down spike strips on Highway Z, causing the suspect's vehicle to hit a median and come to a stop west of Wentzville Parkway, police said.
Investigators said within moments, Vincent and Smith hopped out of the stolen vehicle and ran.
"As they fled on foot, the driver pointed a firearm in the direction of the officers," Sergeant Jacob Schmidt said.
Sergeant Schmidt said two officers fired gunshots and struck Vincent.
"Officers and medics immediately rendered aid to the driver -- but again -- he died at a hospital," Schmidt also said.
No officers were injured.
Westbound Interstate 70 at Wentzville Parkway was closed early Wednesday morning as police investigated the deadly incident. It was still being determined if the suspect fired any shots at the officers.
Prosecutors charged Amber Smith with unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance, forgery, resisting arrest and second-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.
Police said the truck, a black 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, was stolen from St. Louis County. The gun found near Vincent was reported stolen out of Marion, Illinois.
Investigators said the officers who shot Vincent were a St. Charles City police officer who is 32 years old with eight years of law enforcement experience and a St. Peters police officer who is 37 years old with nine years of law enforcement experience.
Smith's bond was set at $10,000, cash only.
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