A Missouri state trooper was shot and a suspect was killed in a Saturday night shootout on Interstate 55 in New Madrid County.

Around 10 p.m. Saturday, a trooper pulled over a vehicle on Interstate 55 near the 56 mile marker in New Madrid County and, after speaking to the vehicle's four occupants, became suspicious. The trooper called for backup, and when the two troopers were speaking to a passenger outside the vehicle, another passenger opened fire with a handgun.

Cpl. Shane Stewart was shot in the neck but was able to shoot back. One occupant was killed and another was injured during the shootout, according to a news release.

Stewart and the injured suspect were airlifted to Saint Francis Medical Center and are expected to live, Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Clark Parrott said.

The driver and two of the vehicle passengers involved were arrested. Tonya M. Brown, 42, of Dallas, Jermaine K. Dennis, 24, of Mesquite, Texas, and Maurice A. Ely, 18, of Mesquite are all charged with second-degree murder, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug Crime Control is investigating the incident.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid County, MO