Man Accused Of Killing Cop During Traffic Stop Says He Wanted To Avoid Jail

North Kansas City, Missouri, -- A Missouri man who was arrested for fatally shooting a North Kansas City officer during a traffic stop Tuesday admitted to committing the crime. The 24-year-old man claimed he killed the officer because he did not want to go to jail or to get his vehicle towed, police said.

Joshua Rocha faces first-degree murder charges and armed criminal action for shooting 32-year-old Daniel Vasquez after the latter pulled him over due to an expired temporary tag on his vehicle, NY Post reported citing the probable cause statement.

According to the bodycam footage, Rocha shot Vasquez in the face through a partially opened driver-side door and then got out of his vehicle before firing two more times at the officer, who then collapsed to the ground. After cleaning his gun, Rocha fired one more shot and fled the scene, authorities said.

Vasquez was shifted to North Kansas City Hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.

Rocha tried to conceal his identity by changing his clothes, shaving off his goatee and even spray painting part of his car, investigators said. However, he turned himself to the police Tuesday afternoon by saying, "I committed murder."

During interrogation, Rocha said he was on his way to a gun shop for buying ammunition when he got pulled over by Vasquez. Rocha explained that he killed Vasquez because he did not want to go to jail or have his vehicle towed, police said.

Rocha is currently being held in the Clay County jail on a $2 million bond.

"Shooting a police officer, in my opinion, is a clear indication that you're a danger to the community," Clay County Prosecutor Dan White said, adding that Rocha's bond was appropriate, The Kansas City Star reported.

Rocha does not have a significant criminal history that prevents him from legally owning a gun, according to court records. His earlier offenses included traffic violations and petty drug crimes, reports said.

North Kansas City Police Department Chief Kevin Freeman described Vasquez as "a shining star" for the department.

"Unfortunately, there is no successful ending to the tragic death of Daniel Vasquez. Today's announcement, though, is the first step in achieving any Justice for Daniel’s death," North Kansas City Mayor Bryant Long said.