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DE SOTO, Mo. (Heartland News) - What started as an armed robbery and stolen vehicle investigation in De Soto ended with a deadly, fiery crash in Illinois.

According to De Soto police, they responded to the reported armed robbery at a gas station on North Main Street around 3:54 a.m. on Monday, October 26.

When the first officer arrived, he saw a white Ford Fusion, reportedly stolen from a customer at gunpoint, leaving the business.

The officer tried to stop the car, which led to a chase along Highway 110 and northbound Highway 67 toward Festus.

According to police, the officer lost sight of the car near Highway 67 and Highway CC when traffic, including a semi truck and several other vehicles, blocked his view in the construction zone.

Officers used a Flock camera system to find the stolen car traveling through southern Missouri.

Police alerted area law enforcement agencies for help finding the car.

A short time later, the De Soto Police Department was contacted by Illinois State Police, who told them the car had been found crashed and on fire in Illinois.

They said a person was found dead inside the car. That person's identity has not been released.

According to police, it is unknown whether the person is the suspect involved in the armed robbery.

Police say they believe the armed robbery is connected with several other incidents earlier on Monday morning, including a residential burglary and a stolen vehicle.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the De Soto Police Department at 636-586-8891.
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