Man Apprehended After Chase That Began At Horseshoe Lake Park, Ended In St. Louis

PONTOON BEACH/ST. LOUIS — A man was charged and a woman taken into custody following an early Wednesday morning, Nov. 12, 2025, pursuit and standoff that began at Horseshoe Lake State Park and ended in north St. Louis, authorities said.

The incident started shortly after 1 a.m. when Pontoon Beach police officers patrolling Horseshoe Lake State Park, which had closed the previous evening, noticed a vehicle parked off-road in a grassy area.

Upon approaching, officers observed a man inside the car along with a female passenger. Pontoon Beach Police Chief Chris Modrusic said the man had a gun in the car, which officers spotted through the window.

Modrusic said officers ordered the man and woman to exit the vehicle. Instead, the man jumped into the driver’s seat, grabbed the firearm, placed his hand on it, and put the car in reverse, striking the rear of a squad car.

A pursuit ensued, with the suspect evading spike strips and fleeing into Missouri.

The chase ended near West Florissant and Alcott avenues in the Walnut Park East neighborhood of St. Louis. The vehicle became disabled, and the two occupants refused to exit, leading to a standoff involving SWAT teams. Around 3:40 a.m., Wednesday, the man fired multiple rounds through the vehicle’s front windshield, police reported. Officers maintained restraint at that time.

The standoff was resolved around 6 a.m. Wednesday, when the man surrendered. Both individuals were taken into custody and transported by ambulance. Authorities reported no serious injuries.

The man, identified as Roy Barnett Jr., 39, faces charges including unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful use of a firearm. Police noted Barnett has a lengthy criminal history, including active warrants in both Missouri and Illinois. Chief Modrusic said the gun that was recovered was reported stolen.

Pontoon Beach Police Chief Chris Modrusic commended officers for their restraint during the incident, especially given the presence of a female passenger in the vehicle. West Florissant Avenue was closed for several hours during the investigation.

Modrusic said the Pontoon Beach reports related to the case are expected to be presented to the State's Attorney's Office at the end of this week or early next week for possible charges in Illinois.

These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.