Man wanted for shooting at officers died of self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials say

The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed the cause of death of a man that was involved in an officer-involved shooting in Columbia. The autopsy results show Troy Bateman died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The results go on to say the wound is consistent with a self-inflicted injury.

Law enforcement officers had been looking for Bateman in connection with another officer-involved shooting in Saline County. Highway Patrol said a trooper and Bateman exchanged gunfire after a traffic stop.

Bateman was also wanted for a parole violation stemming from an initial burglary charge.

Sgt. Scott White said the Columbia officers that stopped Bateman on Wednesday had information he may be in the area.

“This was not a random stop,” White said. “It was not routine. It was based on some information officers had and were looking for him and attempting to locate him.”

White said after the stop, officers heard a gunshot from inside the car. That’s when officials said the officers fired back.

White said the response from the officers is based on training and experience.

“It’s based on your experience of stopping vehicles and encountering situations that sometimes lead to an assault or needing to use your firearm,” White said. “It doesn’t happen often, but it happens.”

ABC 17 News looked into Bateman’s criminal history that dates back to the early 2000s.

In 2008, prosecutors charged Bateman with burglary. That year he was also charged with DUI and resisting arrest.

In 2009, prosecutors charged him with possession of a controlled substance.

In 2012, Bateman was convicted of the 2008 burglary charge and was sentenced to eight years in prison. At some point he was released on parole.

In 2016, Cole County charged Bateman with possession of a controlled substance.