Two-State Chase Ends in Shooting Near Greenville

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Published on February 13 2019 5:28 pm
Last Updated on February 13 2019 5:28 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

State Police say two people are dead following a kidnapping, attempted carjacking and lengthy police chase that started in Missouri, crossed the Poplar Street Bridge and ended near Greenville.

Police allege 39-year-old Leslie Austin kidnapped his girlfriend and their child Tuesday night in Jefferson City, Missouri. The woman was shot during the abduction and is currently listed in critical condition. Her 10-year-old daughter escaped injury.

Bond County Sheriff’s Deputies were able to deploy stop sticks on Illinois Route 140 near Mettler Road. That slowed the vehicle and gave kidnapping victim Daniele Smith of Jefferson City and her ten-year-old child a chance to escape the vehicle.

Austin continued fleeing east on Illinois Route 140 and attempted to carjack a vehicle near Shoal Creek when he shot and killed the driver, 67-year-old Gregory Price of Florissant, Missouri.

Moments later Austin attempted to carjack a second vehicle with no success. He continued to flee, eventually exiting his car on Old Nebo Road, and fired shots at police. An Illinois State trooper returned fire.

Austin was ultimately found to be deceased. At this time, it is unknown if the suspect died from the Trooper’s return fire or a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

It wasn’t immediately known if Austin shot himself or was shot by officers.

The investigation is ongoing and autopsies will be conducted.