COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Howard County man is behind bars after authorities claim he drunkenly fired shots at an off-duty Boonville police officer on Monday in Boone County while driving.

Dillon Ray Ames, 30, of Armstrong, was charged on Tuesday in Boone County with two counts of first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and misdemeanor reckless driving.

Ames is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An initial court appearance was held Tuesday afternoon and a bond hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The probable cause statement says Boone County deputies were called to the 3600 block of Route J for a report of shots being fired. Boonville Police Officer Clinton Barger claimed Ames pointed a gun at him while they were both driving and Ames fired two shots, the statement says. ABC 17 News does not typically name victims in crimes, but Barger was willing to speak on record about it.

Ames allegedly was driving erratically, passing several vehicles and caused oncoming traffic to swerve, the statement says. He then allegedly cut off the Barger's vehicle and “brake checked” him, court documents allege. Barger then drove past Ames’ vehicle and Ames followed him closely before hitting his own brakes “to get Dillon to back off,” court documents allege.

In an interview with ABC 17 News, Barger said when he saw what was happening, he started to evaluate the seriousness of the situation.

"With my background in law enforcement, I just thought it was kind of a crazy scenario that I immediately thought, okay, is this guy impaired? What's going on? What's with the erratic driving?"
Barger said.

He then said that he decided to call joint communications and alert authorities. Barger said that Ames was then following him North onto Route J.

The statement says a passenger in the Barger's vehicle heard two gunshots, but did not see the gun. A passenger in Ames’ vehicle allegedly stated she did not see Ames raise the gun, but knew he kept one in his vehicle, the statement says.

Ames was arrested in Fayette in the parking lot of the C&R Market, according to the statement and a social media post from the Fayette Police Department. Ames allegedly admitted to being a convicted felon and knowing he’s not allowed to own a gun, the statement says.

Ames also allegedly admitted to drinking 12 beers that day, and a breath sample indicated his blood alcohol content was .168, more than twice the legal limit to drive, the statement says.

During his interview, Barger stressed the importance of calling 911 in these situations and not engaging.

"The biggest thing you can do is remain calm and cool and collected and just go about your business. Don't try to confront anybody. If they're going to do something, just get on the phone with 911 and get the proper authorities to your location as best as possible while providing descriptions of what's happening," Barger said.