Missouri Man Who Shot at Deputy During Chase Pleads Guilty
A 26-year-old Webb City man pleaded guilty to assaulting a Newton County sheriff’s deputy by shooting at him during a vehicle pursuit in Neosho.
Andrew Utley entered the plea Monday to assault on a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Under a plea agreement, felony counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest were dropped.
The Joplin Globe reported his sentencing was set for Oct. 29.
Prosecutors say Utley was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for a traffic violation in December 2016 in Neosho. The driver sped off and during the chase, Utley fired several shot at the deputy’s vehicle. The deputy was not injured.
Utley, who had an earlier conviction, was not allowed to own a gun.