Early this morning, a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer found themselves the unexpected target of gunfire during an investigation of reported shots in the area, according to a news release issued by the department. The ShotSpotter system, a technology that detects gunshots and alerts law enforcement, was triggered near the intersection of Union and Theodosia, prompting officers to respond to the 5300 block of Theodosia just after midnight.
An officer, while sweeping an alley behind the 1600 block of Union, spotted two males. One alerted the other to the officer's presence with a shouted warning, "police," before the pair bolted into a red SUV. As they fled, one individual from the vehicle shot at the officer, who thankfully was not hit. The officer did not engage with returned fire, signaling a restraint that could have quickly escalated the situation into bloodshed.
No one was injured, a fortunate outcome underscored by the department's ongoing efforts to curb the city's gun violence. The search for the suspects, who remain at large, continues as SLMPD calls for any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward.
