At the request of the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway
Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) continues to investigate the May
25, 2026, officer-involved shooting. After a preliminary investigation, DDCC
investigators identified Levy I. Gray, 36, of Birch Tree, MO, as a suspect. Gray was shot during an altercation with law enforcement officers at a residence in Shannon County.
Law enforcement officers responded to a residence located in rural Shannon County,
due to a disturbance and assault complaint/investigation. Law enforcement observed a
Gray standing outside before he ran inside the residence and shut the doors and
windows. Gray then began yelling threats at law enforcement.
Shortly thereafter, Gray pointed a rifle in the direction of a deputy, and the deputy
responded by firing his duty weapon twice, striking Gray. Officers on scene provided
emergency care until emergency medical services arrived on scene. Gray was
transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.
As a result of the preliminary investigation, DDCC investigators submitted a probable
cause statement to the Wayne County Prosecutor seeking felony charges. On May 27, 2026, the Wayne County Prosecutor formally charged Gray with one count each: Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Assault 1st Degree or Attempt. He was also charged with four counts of Endangering Welfare of Child.
This incident is still an active and ongoing investigation. To maintain the integrity of the
investigation, no further details are being released. Further details of the incident will be
shared as it becomes available and is appropriate to release.
The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in
support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction,
whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.
