IMPERIAL, Mo. – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has identified Terry Pfeffer as a suspect who allegedly stole a truck, led authorities on a chase, and fired shots at officers before he was fatally shot Thursday morning.

A St. Louis city police officer fatally shot Pfeffer, a suspected truck thief, after a lengthy police chase Thursday morning that ended near a Jefferson County apartment complex, according to Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak.

“You could hear the grinding of the tires just screeching across the street and I noticed the red truck just flying down the street. He went in between the buildings and I noticed two police officers right behind him,” said Joe Donnelly, a witness.

Neighbors said the next thing you could hear was gunshots. Pfeffer reportedly fired shots at officers during the chase and after the chase as he got out of the car. An officer returned gunfire, fatally shooting him.

“As soon as you see the cops jump out all you hear is exchange of gunshots and then next thing you know see the girl with brown hair and the tank top, she was limping and running up to the apartments,” said Kate Ramirez.

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The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says Pfeffer has a lengthy criminal history that includes drug, gun, vehicle and assault charges.

Missouri court records indicate a history of convictions dating back to 1998. Pfeffer most recently pleaded guilty to a charge of tampering with a motor vehicle from October 2022, per Missouri court records.

The sheriff’s office says Pfeffer was 45 years old and a resident of Arnold, Missouri. He was believed to be driving the vehicle with another woman inside Thursday morning as the chase unfolded.

Investigators say the truck was reported stolen in the city on May 6. Pfeffer and another woman were inside the truck when it sped off, prompting the police chase. That chase continued onto Telegraph Road into St. Louis County, then into Jefferson County.

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Pfeffer and the officers reportedly exchanged gunfire where the pursuit ended  on Westward Trails Drive, not too far from Interstate 55.

Marshak said in a media briefing Thursday that he believes that Pfeffer dictated the actions of law enforcement.

“The suspect fired at law enforcement officers throughout this entire episode, and it didn’t conclude until he forced police officers into a situation that they had to defend themselves,” said Marshak.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into the St. Louis officer’s gunfire.

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