Suspect Wounded in Officer-Involved Shooting Near Dadeville High School

Suspect had active felony warrant and was armed with replica gun, authorities say

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A suspect with an active felony warrant out of Greene County, Missouri was shot by deputies near Dadeville High School after he refused commands and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at law enforcement. The suspect was transported to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Why it matters

Officer-involved shootings are always a sensitive and high-profile issue, especially when they occur near a school. This incident raises questions about police use of force protocols, the suspect's mental state, and the need for better communication between law enforcement agencies to track dangerous individuals.

The details

Deputies first encountered the suspect near the Dadeville Cemetery, where he refused to provide identification. They later confirmed he had an active felony warrant and was listed as armed and dangerous. During a third encounter on W Highway near the high school, the suspect pointed what appeared to be a handgun at deputies, prompting them to open fire. The weapon was later determined to be a non-functional replica modified to look like a real gun.

  • On March 2, 2026, around 4:30 PM, deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person in Dadeville, Missouri.
  • Deputies made a second contact with the subject near Dadeville High School.
  • Deputies located the subject a third time on W Highway, just east of Dadeville, where the shooting occurred.

The players

Dade County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and was involved in the shooting.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that assisted on the scene.

Cedar County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that assisted on the scene.

Lawrence County Sheriff's Critical Incident Team (SCIT)

The team that conducted the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

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What’s next

The judge will review the case and determine if the deputies' use of force was justified.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved communication and coordination between law enforcement agencies to track dangerous individuals, as well as the ongoing challenges around police use of force policies and public trust in law enforcement.