Man Chased Ex-Girlfriend Around With Gun, Tried to Shoot Her, Police Say

A 52-year-old Wentzville man was arrested and charged after police say he repeatedly tried to shoot an ex-girlfiend with a loaded handgun. 

Jerry Beatty, 52, of Wentzville was charged with first degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, and burglary first following an incident in O'Fallon on April 26. 

According to a release from the O'Fallon Police Department, police responded to a domestic assault call in the 100 block of Stage Coach Landing at 9:09 p.m. on April 26. Police said Beatty forcibly entered the home of an ex-girlfriend with a loaded handgun. The woman had an active ex parte order of protection against the suspect. 

Police said Beatty grabbed the victim by her hair and shoved her to the floor. The release said Beatty then pulled the trigger on the weapon repeatedly, but it did not fire. The victim attempted to run away, but she was caught by Beatty.

Police said Beatty again attempted to shoot her, and again the weapon still did not fire. The suspect then fled the scene. 

Police located the suspect leaving the scene and attempted to stop him, but he fled and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into the center median of Interstate 70 near the Jennings Station road exit. The suspect was transported to an area hospital for serious injuries. 

The St Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on Beatty on Thursday. He is being held on a $350,000 dollar bond. 

Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the type of gun used in the incident.