Late last night, a police chase that started in St. Louis County and rolled into north St. Louis ended with county officers shooting and killing an armed suspect along a set of railroad tracks. County detectives had tied the pickup truck to earlier reports of shots fired and kept after the driver as he crossed into the city. Emergency medical crews tried to save the suspect at the scene, but he was pronounced dead. Police said no officers were hurt.
According to KSDK, county officers were pursuing a truck wanted in connection with those earlier shots-fired calls when the chase left their jurisdiction and moved into north St. Louis. The outlet reported that a passing train forced the driver to stop near North 2nd Street and East Grand Avenue. St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers were called in to help at about 11 p.m.
Chase Stops Cold On The Tracks Near North 2nd And East Grand
The St. Louis County Police Department said the truck was forced to a halt on the railroad tracks and that the driver got out of the vehicle holding a firearm, which they say prompted county officers to open fire. County units then locked down the area and coordinated with city detectives while investigators documented the scene. Authorities said they recovered the weapon and logged it as evidence.
Officers Fire After Confrontation On The Tracks
KSDK reported that emergency responders treated the wounded suspect on the tracks before he was pronounced dead. Investigators characterized the incident as an officer-involved shooting and said the case is still under review.
Chief Backs Officers As Investigation Ramps Up
St. Louis County Police Chief Col. Kenneth Gregory praised his officers for their work and bravery while also acknowledging that a life was lost, according to the county agency. City and county investigators are reviewing body-worn camera recordings and other video as part of the standard post-shooting process. Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach out to detectives as they work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the gunfire.
Key Details Still Under Wraps
Investigators have not yet released the suspect's identity or said whether any charges could stem from the incident. Officials stressed that their account is preliminary and did not offer a timetable for when the probe might be completed. This story will be updated as police and prosecutors release additional information.
