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Robbery suspect shot by Madison County deputy in north St. Louis County now facing charges

The suspect is expected to survive

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A Madison County Sheriff's deputy shot a robbery suspect Wednesday night after a pursuit ended in north St. Louis County.

The suspect is suspected to survive, and now he and his alleged accomplice are facing charges.

The St. Louis County Police Department said in a press release that at around 9:36 p.m., officers responded to the area of Interstate 270 and Highway 367 to assist Glen Carbon police, Pontoon Beach police and Madison County sheriff's deputies in a pursuit. The suspects, two men, were wanted for armed robbery and first-degree assault.

The suspects drove to Shardell Drive and Poggemoeller Avenue, where the passenger got out of the vehicle and a Madison County sheriff's deputy shot him. A handgun was recovered at the scene, police said, but it was unclear if the man was armed when he was shot.

Officers gave him life-saving treatment until EMS arrived and he was taken to a local hospital with what is believed to be a non-life-threatening injury. He was identified as Earl Barber, a 41-year-old St. Louis resident. The driver was taken into custody without incident. He was identified as 48-year-old Benjamin Smith of St. Louis.

Both Smith and Barber are facing one count of resisting arrest by fleeing, a class E felony. They are both being held on $25,000, cash-only bonds.

The deputy who shot the suspect is 38 years old and has 11 years of law enforcement experience. He was not injured.

On Thursday, 

This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.

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