By Police1 Staff
HANNIBAL, Mo. — A police investigation concluded an officer was acting within policy when he fired into a vehicle during a pursuit, Hannibal Courier-Post reported.
The Jan. 24 pursuit began when Officer John Willis spotted DaMark Rudd, who had an active warrant for his arrest due to parole violations. As Willis approached, Rudd tried to flee on foot.
Officer Chris Walotka and Sgt. Darrin DeLaPorte responded to the scene and Rudd jumped into a vehicle with a passenger, Matthew Brooks in tow. Willis stood near the driver’s side mirror in front of the vehicle to block Rudd.
Rudd drove in reverse before speeding into drive, moving forward and almost striking Willis, according to the report. Rudd then drove between Walotka’s car and another vehicle, driving at a 45-degree angle atop the officer’s patrol vehicle.
DeLaPorte discharged a single round from his weapon and shattered the driver’s side window. According to the report, DeLaPorte fired at Rudd because he using his vehicle as a “dangerous weapon.”
Rudd eventually crashed on a curve and police were able to detain him. Brooks was found to have a gunshot wound and was sent to a hospital.
Police found 16 capsules of heroin in the vehicle.
Later that evening, State Highway Patrol Cpl. Tobin Hollman spoke with Brooks at the hospital. Brooks admitted using methamphetamine and heroin prior to the pursuit.
Rudd admitted to police he just ran and “didn’t think about it,” according to the report. He told police he saw a red dot, wasn’t sure if it was a TASER or gun, and didn’t want to be struck by either one.
Rudd was charged with two felony counts of assault on a officer, one felony count of resisting arrest and property damage. After pleading not guilty, Rudd received a change of venue and entered a plea agreement for resisting arrest and property damage.
He was sentenced to two six-year prison terms. Charges for Brooks were pending.