ST. LOUIS — An off-duty police officer was shot early Wednesday in north St. Louis.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, three unknown suspects opened fire at two off-duty police officers and a third person just before 3 a.m. Wednesday in the 3900 block of North Broadway.
Police said two off-duty officers and another man were inside a private business on North Broadway when they saw people outside breaking into cars. When they went outside to confront them, the suspects opened fire.
According to a police statement, the off-duty officer was shot "immediately" once he opened the door to confront them. A second off-duty officer pulled him back inside and away from the door.
The first officer was shot in the cheek and had a graze wound to the back, police said. His injuries were non-life-threatening. He has 25 years of experience on the force and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
The second officer involved was not injured. He has 31 years of service on the police force.
Another officer returned fire with the suspects, police said, but no other injuries were reported.
St. Louis police said in an update Wednesday afternoon that U.S. Marshals opened fire Wednesday morning in the 5200 block of Lexington Avenue. U.S. Marshals were in the area investigating a stolen Nissan Rogue believed to be involved in the officer-involved shooting on North Broadway.
Maj. Janice Bockstruck with SLMPD addressed the media at the Lexington Avenue crime scene.
"St. Louis City police officers, in conjunction with U.S. Marshals, stopped a vehicle in the 5200 block of Norwood Drive that was stolen, used in numerous car cladding throughout the region, and is possibly involved in today's early morning hours incident in St Louis city, where a police officer was shot," Bockstruck said.
Marshals took two suspects into custody from the vehicle, and two others ran away to Lexington Avenue.
Neighbors captured the moments when a single gunshot rang out followed by an SLMPD cruiser driving down Lexington Avenue.
One of the suspects was injured and was involved in the officer-involved shooting with the U.S. Marshals. According to police, it is unclear if the man injured himself while running or if he was struck by gunfire.
The Force Investigation Unit is handling the investigation.
During the Wednesday police briefing Sgt. Charles Wall with SLMPD explained the seriousness of the crimes saying it could've been anyone.
"These off-duty officers could have been anybody going out to check on their vehicle, after seeing somebody tampering with it, breaking into it," Wall.
Police said this evening that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
This is a breaking news story. 5 On Your Side will update it as more information becomes available.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
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