MARSHALL, Mo. (AP) — Missouri authorities are searching for a suspected parole violator they say exchanged gunfire with a state trooper after a chase.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the trooper escaped injury during the alleged confrontation with 35-year-old Troy Bateman of Marshall.

The patrol says that the trooper began pursuing a vehicle for alleged traffic charges Friday night in Saline County.

The suspect’s vehicle crashed at an intersection. After trading gunfire with the trooper, the patrol says the suspect fled into a field.

The patrol says Bateman has an active warrant for a burglary-related parole violation, and he’s wanted in connection with the Friday night encounter with the trooper.

The patrol cautions residents that Bateman is believed to be armed with a handgun.