Deputy-Involved Shooting in Richwoods Leaves Suspect Dead, Deputy Injured

Richwoods, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred late on Tuesday, September 10, at Roy's Convenience Store in Richwoods.

Deputies were dispatched to the convenience store at approximately 10:45 p.m. in response to a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a store employee who confirmed that a man parked in a pickup truck on the property was trespassing. The deputies approached the man, later identified as 36-year-old David M. Peter, who was seated in the driver's seat of the truck. During the encounter, Peter provided a false name and other false information. The store employee requested that Peter be removed from the premises.

Deputies instructed Peter to exit the vehicle, but he refused. When a deputy opened the driver's side door and attempted to get Peter out of the vehicle, Peter started the truck, placed it in drive, and attempted to flee. As the deputy tried unsuccessfully to put the vehicle in park, Peter accelerated, partially trapping the deputy inside. Peter then struck one of the deputies' patrol vehicles, pinning the deputy between the two vehicles and causing injury.

Fearing for their safety, the deputies discharged their weapons, striking Peter. His vehicle continued forward and struck a second patrol vehicle. Peter was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County Coroner. One deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol was called to the scene to conduct a use-of-force investigation. Their findings, along with the Washington County Coroner’s report, will be sent to the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. The names of the deputies involved are being withheld until the investigation is complete.