Illinois Man Fatally Shot During Police Chase in Eureka

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly implied that Garcia had fired at the police officers. 

An Illinois man died Saturday after being shot multiple times by police following a chase that ended in a Eureka neighborhood the day before.

Authorities identified Jose H. Garcia, 49, of Desplaines, Ill, as the suspect who led officers from multiple agencies on a chase Friday afternoon that ended with the sounds of gunfire.

Police said a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer recognized Garcia’s vehicle traveling on I-44 as one wanted in Illinois for multiple violations. When he attempted to pull him over, Garcia fled.

During the pursuit, police said Garcia accelerated his vehicle and pointed a weapon at officers, after which they fired at Garcia and struck him multiple times.

He was then transported to Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur where he was pronounced dead.

The officer involved in the shooting is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrols’ Division of Drug and Crime Control.

The chase also caused the Rockwood School District to place all schools under a brief "modified lockdown" from around 1:30-1:45 p.m. The district was instructed to take the action by the Eureka Police Department, who said they were in pursuit of an armed suspect in an area subdivision.  

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