St. Louis detectives are looking for a man who pulled a handgun and leveled it at an off‑duty officer in downtown St. Louis last week. The officer, working a secondary security job at the time, followed the suspect until the man pointed the gun, then took cover as the suspect ran off. Police say the man should be considered armed and dangerous.
What police say
According to detectives, the confrontation unfolded last Wednesday when the off‑duty officer spotted a man "waving a handgun" at the corner of North Ninth Street and Olive Street and started to follow him. The suspect then pulled out the gun and pointed it at the officer, who was not affiliated with SLMPD, before leaving the scene while the officer took cover, as reported by First Alert 4.
Police described the suspect as a Black man of medium build. At the time, he was wearing an orange shirt, tan pants, a brown studded belt with a large buckle, black boots, a red bookbag and white-and-silver headphones.
How to tip
Anyone with information is asked to contact District 4 detectives at (314) 444-2500. Anonymous tips that lead to a felony arrest may be eligible for a cash reward through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Why this matters
Incidents involving off‑duty officers have drawn extra attention in the region, highlighting how fast a seemingly routine encounter can escalate. As reported by St. Louis Magazine, an off‑duty city officer was charged in March after allegedly shooting a man at a Jennings home, a case that stirred debate about oversight and accountability for secondary security work.
Detectives are urging anyone who has video, witnessed the incident or has other evidence to call District 4 detectives at (314) 444-2500. Those who prefer to stay anonymous can reach CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
