Mo. Deputy Shot 4 Times in Stomach at Point-Blank Range During Stop

An armed man wanted on felony warrants shot a Missouri four times in the stomach and wounded another deputy before he was fatally shot during a traffic stop shootout early Monday.

The incident happened just after 3:30 a.m. when a Callaway County sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle along Interstate 70, and another deputy arrived as backup, the agency stated in an online news release. During the stop, the deputies discovered that the driver—identified as Jonathan A. Beason from Texas —was wanted on multiple out-of-state felony warrants.

While trying to take Beason into custody, one of the deputies—Gardner Pottorff—was shot four times in the stomach at point-blank range. The other deputy—Cpl. Justin Bax—also was shot, but he was able to return fire and fatally shoot Beason.

Both deputies were rushed to the hospital and required surgery. Pottorff was in stable but critical condition. No details were released concerning Bax's injuries or condition.

"Both deputies are facing a long road to recovery, with an estimated six months before they can return to full health," stated the agency.

Fundraising campaigns have been set up for both deputies, with 100% of the money going to their families. Go to the following links to donate to the deputies: 

Donations for Deputy Gardner Pottorff | Donations for Cpl. Justin Bax