Queen found guilty of aggravated firing at police in 2019 pursuit

A Missouri man who led area police on a multi-county pursuit has been found guilty on all three charges.

A Washington County jury deliberated for about 20 minutes before returning a verdict, finding Jared Queen, 42, St. Clair, MO, guilty of Class X felony aggravated discharge of a fire arm at a police officer, Class 3 felony of possession of a weapon by a felon and Class 4 felony aggravated fleeing of the police.

According to WMIX, the jury heard testimony from several witnesses, including Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson. Dodson told the radio station that he was pleased with the verdict.

Queen was arrested in July 2019 after he and then 42-year-old Maria Moore, also of Missouri, took Centralia and Wamac authorities on a pursuit when authorities tried to stop them for a traffic violation. The chase went through Washington County, and Queen reportedly then fired a rifle at the officers through the driver’s side door. His passenger Moore allegedly fired from the vehicle’s sunroof.

Queen had been charged with Class X attempted murder but the charge was amended, according to court records.

A sentencing hearing is set for Oct. 19. Moore is scheduled to begin trial on Oct. 25.