Vinita officer wounded, suspect dead after shooting

A Vinita Police officer is in the hospital and a suspect dead following a shootout. <br><br>It happened late Saturday night in Vinita, in Craig County. Police say it started at a Quik Trip. Officer

Monday, August 26th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A Vinita Police officer is in the hospital and a suspect dead following a shootout.

It happened late Saturday night in Vinita, in Craig County. Police say it started at a Quik Trip. Officer Jim Curry arrested Jason Burelson after it appeared he was driving drunk. As he took Burelson to the county jail, things quickly got out of hand.

Craig County Sheriff Jimmie Sooter, "officer Curry went up the steps. They got into a scuffle and he was able to get his weapon from him somewhere in here and the weapon went off and shot him in the lower part of the body.â€

Curry managed to call for help, and officers chased Burelson through an alley. He was killed during an exchange of gunfire.

Officer Curry underwent surgery in a Joplin, Missouri hospital. He is listed in good condition.