Peter A. Jamerson

How they died

Deadly force

A state trooper and a Marion County sheriff's deputy shot Peter A. Jamerson when he allegedly brandished a pair of pliers after a chase between Palmyra and Hannibal. Jamerson, who was under guard at a hospital facing drug charges, reportedly stole a truck from the University of Iowa parking department and headed south on US 61. An officer attempted to pull Jamerson over in Palmyra, but he didn't stop. During the ensuing pursuit, Jamerson reportedly rammed several squad cars and attempted a carjacking on Route KK, but was unsuccessful. At about 7:15 p.m. Jamerson was located on MO 168 in a stolen Pontiac, and Hannibal police used tire deflators to stop him. The trooper and deputy told Jamerson to get on the ground, but he kept walking. Jamerson then allegedly grabbed a pair of black handled pliers from his right hip and pointed it at the officers, who shot Jamerson. Jamerson died at a hospital. Marion County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Redington decided the shooting was justified and declined to release the names of the officers involved.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Peter A. Jamerson, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources