No charges will be filed against a Buchanan County deputy who fatally shot a Gower man resisting arrest by fleeing to Andrew County in a Dodge Charger on Halloween.

In fact, the Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney says Deputy William Fisher is to be commended for his courage and composure. Prosecutor Steven Stevenson says Fisher was completely justified in his use of deadly force.

Eric Auxier, 28, was shot and killed after injuring one deputy and threatening to injure another with his car.

Stevenson says the shooting was the result of Fisher’s belief that such force was necessary to protect himself and his partner from death or serious injury. Stevenson also says that the use of deadly force was necessary to arrest and prevent Auxier’s escape.

Evidence provided to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control indicates Fisher and his partner, Deputy William Miller, had followed Auxier into Andrew County after observing him break numerous traffic laws. The pursuit ended up in a parking lot near K Highway and Andrew County Road 373.

The officers say Auxier backed his vehicle into their patrol vehicle, pinning Deputy Miller’s leg in the door, and then continued toward Deputy Fisher. Hearing his partner screaming in pain, Fisher drew his service firearm and fired at the red Dodge Charger.

Investigators say six shots were fired, although Deputy Fisher recalled firing only four.

Stevenson points out that Auxier had an outstanding felony arrest warrant from Putnam County. Auxier told his passengers he would not stop for the officers, Stevenson said.

Auxier had been convicted of at least four felonies in the past, ranging from burglary to resisting arrest, along with numerous misdemeanors. Autopsy results showed an elevated blood alcohol content.

“This writer might add that in his opinion Deputy Fisher is to be commended for his courage, not to mention his composure in this highly charged emotional situation,” Stevenson said in a news release Wednesday.

Stevenson says the investigation is over and there is no probable cause to support criminal charges of any kind against the shooter, Deputy Fisher.