Officer fatally shoots suspect near St. Louis City Hall; suspect fatally shot victim moments before
ST. LOUIS – An officer fatally shot a suspect who allegedly shot another person moments before Friday morning near St. Louis City Hall, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The alleged suspect fatally shot the victim during a chase near City Hall.
The situation unfolded at the intersection of Market and 14th streets in downtown St. Louis.
According to SLMPD’s preliminary findings, an officer interrupted an apparent chase and shooting involving two men. A suspect shot the victim he was chasing. An officer at the scene responded to the situation and later shot the alleged gunman, who died from his injuries.
“The suspect and the victim were both running towards the officer, where he was standing, while the gunfire was being exchanged between the suspect and the victim,” said SLMPD police major Janice Bockstruck during a Friday news conference.
The victim shot by the suspect was transported to the hospital in critical injuries, but was pronounced deceased Friday afternoon.
No officers were hurt in this incident, according to SLMPD.
The situation began with an apparent dispute between two people, according to SLMPD. One man was chasing another and shooting at him. An officer just happened to be there, moving surveillance cameras. That officer then shot the gunman. The gunman had already shot and hit the other person.
The officer who shot the suspect is a 42-year-old with 18 years of service, according to Bockstruck.
“We really believe the officer interrupted a violent crime and then took action to protect the public,” said Bockstruck, speaking on the officer’s actions at the news conference . “There are people, City Hall is currently open and doing business. It’s still open at this time. He’s here to protect the citizens of St. Louis as they’re doing their business. He absolutely did. He interrupted a very violent crime at this time.”
She says that cameras caught video of the suspect’s and officer’s gunfire, though it’s unclear when police may release that video.
Investigators have not yet disclosed the identity of the suspect who was fatally shot or the victim he allegedly shot.
Woman shot, killed near Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station
The street in front of City Hall has been shut down for several hours, and at one point there were more than 15 police vehicles at the scene. There was crime scene tape up in front of the building and dozens of evidence markers placed in the bike lane next to the sidewalk. Police also gathered around a tent near City Hall on Friday while investigating the situation.
The spokesperson for the mayor’s office informs us that the shooting on Market Street has no impact on City Hall.
“I’m grateful for the SLMPD officer who responded to a shooting incident in progress and upheld his duty to protect and serve,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones in an emailed statement to FOX 2. “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.”
This is a developing story. FOX 2 will update as more information becomes available.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
