Lewis County Sheriff's Office Statement

Since the beginning of April 2018 the Sheriff's Office has received multiple reports of vehicle break ins and burglaries in and around Canton, Missouri.

On the morning of April 13, 2018 several Lewis County residents contacted the Sheriff's Office to report their personal vehicles had been tampered with and items had been stolen out of them. This included jewelry, credit cards and handguns.

Over the course of the day, Lewis County Deputies developed a suspect who was reported to be in the city of LaGrange. The suspect, who was identified as Austin D. Clark, age 20, of LaGrange, Missouri.

While on the way to Mr. Clark's residence in LaGrange, deputies located him walking on Monroe Street between Fourth and Fifth Street. The deputies made contact with him and after identifying him as the suspect got out of the patrol truck to speak with him.

Clark then ran west on Monroe Street. After running for approximately 30 feet the suspect took a handgun out of his waistband and as he was running shot himself. Deputies contacted emergency responders to the scene and the male suspect was taken to Blessing Hospital.

Upon further investigation two stolen handguns were located at the scene.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control is assisting with the investigation. The LaGrange Police Department is also assisting with the investigation.

This investigation is ongoing and further updates will come at a later date.

David Parrish, Sheriff