The identity of the driver who was killed after Thursday's pursuit and shooting that started in Jefferson City and went into Callaway County has been released.
The driver, who died of a fatal gunshot wound, was Christopher Morris, 41, of Jefferson City, according to a news release from the Jefferson City Police Department.
An autopsy is pending as the investigation continues into Thursday's incidents.
JCPD spokesman Lt. David Williams said the preliminary investigation determined rounds fired by Morris had struck the right front of a pursuing JCPD patrol car, causing moderate damage.
A JCPD officer suffered an injury to his hand during the exchange of gunfire, suspected to be the result of shrapnel. The officer was treated and released.
Jefferson City police officers attempted to stop Morris near West Schroeder Way and Broadway Street at approximately 2:17 p.m. Thursday, according to JCPD reports.
Morris failed to stop, and the pursuit began.
"He was being stopped for a narcotics investigation," Williams said. "We did have prior contacts with him in the past."
The pursuit traveled east on West Miller Street to Bolivar Street and eventually crossed the Missouri River bridge into Callaway County, and Morris continued to flee at speeds over 75 miles per hour.
Callaway County Sheriff's Department personnel joined the pursuit, which continued north until the vehicle's tires were deflated using tire spikes.
Once Morris' vehicle was disabled just north of New Bloomfield on U.S. 54., Morris exited the vehicle and fired at officers, then fled into the wood line while continuing to exchange gunfire with officers, according to JCPD reports.
Law enforcement officers from several agencies created a perimeter and, before a search could start, Morris reappeared.
Morris then suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
"We did not know he was armed until he got out of the vehicle and began firing," Williams said.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the continuing investigation, which is being conducted by the Missouri Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.
Williams said the department is following normal procedures as relating to an officer-involved shooting incident, which would have an officer placed on administrative leave.
Callaway County Sherif Clay Chism was also involved in the shooting and immediately removed himself from the case to allow the Highway Patrol to take the lead.
The last time a JCPD officer was involved in a fatal shooting was in October 2017, which then-Cole County Prosecutor Mark Richardson determined to be a necessary use of deadly force when officers were threatened by 40-year-old John Loaiza Jr. during a domestic disturbance on East Dunlin Street.