PAGEDALE, Mo. – Pagedale Police Chief Anthony Huckleberry has had a long career in law enforcement, but Tuesday afternoon was a surprise didn’t expect. Authorities are investigating after Huckleberry’s vehicle was struck by gunfire.

“I heard the shot and immediately pulled over and tried to duck for cover,” Huckleberry said. “Pulled off to the side and got assistance up there.”

Around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the chief was driving eastbound on Page Avenue near Sutter when his police cruiser was struck by gunfire.

“Wow, this is a police vehicle. Shots fired. What’s going on? Is someone attempting to target me or the community itself?” Huckleberry said. “It’s a random thing. I’m not for sure, as far as the investigation is concerned; we don’t know if it was a road rage event or someone is taking potshots at the police. I’m not for sure.”

The chief said the shot sounded like a large-caliber weapon.

The driver’s side rear window was shot out; the bullet likely missed the chief by inches.

“That is correct. It would have hit me,” Huckleberry said. “If it was five or six inches ahead, it probably would have.”

Pagedale police are working to learn who fired the shot and if it came from a passing vehicle or another location.

They’re asking anyone in the area that saw anything suspicious, no matter how small, to contact the Pagedale Police Department at 314-726-1112 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.

“The good thing is that it happened to my vehicle and that’s all that was damaged,” Huckleberry said. “Nothing else happened. I’m more than grateful that it happened to myself than any other person that was walking down the street.”