May 29, 2008

An Arkansas man who was being pursued by an officer of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shot and killed himself on Highway 160 at Theodosia, in Ozark County, Sunday morning. Troop G headquarters issued a news release stating that at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Sunday, May 25, Troop G Headquarters was advised of a possible intoxicated driver traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 160 near the Taney/Ozark County line. A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was notified by radio and responded to the area, observing the vehicle at U.S. Highway 160 and Missouri Highway 95. The trooper attempted to stop the vehicle and a low-speed pursuit ensued. While approaching the Bulls Shoals Lake Bridge at Theodosia, the trooper observed the suspect raise a handgun and fire one shot into the passenger compartment of the vehicle before placing the gun to his head and shooting himself, subsequently slumping over the wheel. The unpiloted vehicle then struck a stationary Missouri State Water Patrol officer’s vehicle which was located near the west end of the bridge, causing minor damage. The suspect was transported by emergency medical personnel to Baxter County Medical Center, Mountain Home, Ark., where he was pronounced dead. Attempts to identify the suspect were hampered by an absence of identification on his person or in the vehicle. Fingerprints subsequently identified him as Gregory John Minaudo, 47, Bentonville, Ark. The vehicle, a 1993 Chevrolet pickup, and the .40-caliber handgun were stolen from Baxter County, Ark., according to the Highway Patrol.