Man Fires Gun During Argument With Brother; Brother Flees Due To Warrant

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office arrested two brothers Jan. 3 after an argument over a can of gasoline led to gunfire and a pursuit.

Eugene P. Willard, 59, Cuba, and Kenneth D. Willard, 49, were each taken into custody.

Eugene Willard has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.

Kenneth Willard has been charged with second-degree assault and resisting/interfering with an arrest.

According to the probable cause statement, the two brothers were arguing at a residence on Highpoint Road in Cuba around 12:02 p.m.

Eugene had a gallon of gas in his vehicle and would not allow Kenneth to retrieve it.

Kenneth allegedly threatened to kick the windows of the vehicle, so Eugene grabbed a wood frame and a rifle and pointed the gun at his brother.

He walked to the front porch of the house and fired a round into the air.

Eugene ejected the spent cartridge and reloaded.

Kenneth, who had a no bond warrant, found out law enforcement was responding and he fled. He took his mother’s car and drove away.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to pull him over and a pursuit was initiated.

The highway patrol terminated the pursuit, which was picked up at Highway F and Highway 19 in Cuba. 

Kenneth drove towards a detective who was attempting to deploy stop sticks. He avoided the sticks and entered the driveway where the dispute began.

Eugene is a convicted felon and disqualified from owning or possessing firearms.

He allowed officers to seize his rifle for evidence.