ST. LOUIS – An officer-involved shooting near City Hall Friday morning left two people dead.

A St. Louis Metropolitan Police officer shot and killed the suspect, who had shot and killed a victim during an alleged chase.

Police cars, fire trucks, and crime scene tape blocked off Market Street around 7:30 a.m.

“An officer was here to address our mobile camera trailer. While he was here addressing the mobile camera trailer, a shooting erupted across the street from him. At that point, the suspect was chasing the victim on Market in the 1300 block shooting at the victim,” Major Janice Bockstruck with SLMPD said.

One witness was on his way to work when he saw the incident unfold.

“All of the sudden, I hear a string of shots. It sounded like three, a brief pause, and then what sounded like about 20 shots. By that point, you know I figured out, ‘Oh my gosh, someone is firing,’ I start to see people ducking,” Aaron Laxton said.

Laxton grabbed his phone and immediately dialed 911. As he didn’t know where the shots were coming from, he turned onto Market Street.

“That’s when I see one of the individuals that has been shot, you can tell he’s still alive. Then one of the bike patrol officers has his firearm drawn; I could tell that he was the shooter and there was pieces of clothing kind of all over the street and someone that was trying to render aid to the individual that was shot,” he said.

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An officer then shot the suspect, according to the police. The victim was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not released the names of the suspect or victim, but they say both are estimated to be in their 20s.

All of this occurred just hours before the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen meeting. Alderwoman Cara Spencer (Ward 8) said the shooting was a shock.

“Obviously, it is worrisome. Obviously, it speaks to the public safety element of our downtown area. But I will also say, from what I understand at this point, the police department was able to act very quickly,” she said.

Mayor Tishaura Jones released a statement Friday afternoon, stating, “I’m grateful for the SLMPD officer who responded to a shooting incident in progress and upheld his duty to protect and serve. We are taking this incident seriously, and the safety of our residents and staff is paramount. The area will be secured today, and individuals will no longer be permitted to congregate near the building.”

The city’s forestry department could be seen putting barricades around the building next to city hall, and tents were seen being moved from the area. Police are investigating to understand if the two individuals involved came from the tent set up near city hall.

The Force Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate the incident.

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