Senath officer shoots, kills man

SENATH, Mo. -- A local man is dead after being shot by a police officer Sunday.

According to information provided by the Dunklin County Major Case Squad, at approximately 5:58 p.m., Senath Police Department officer Jerry Gentry responded to a domestic disturbance on North East Street, where Gilbert Owens became aggressive. Owens was wielding a knife and puncturing the tires on his father-in-law's vehicle and the responding Senath patrol car.

Gentry commanded to Owens to stop and drop the knife, but Owens ignored him and began approaching Gentry in a threatening manner with the knife in his hand, police said.

"The officer, fearing for his safety, deployed his pepper spray and when that did not deter the subject, the officer then discharged his weapon, striking the subject, resulting in his death," according to a written release from the squad.

Owens was pronounced dead at the scene by the Dunklin County coroner.

Pertinent address:

Senath, MO