LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. — A St. Louis County police officer was fatally shot Saturday morning in Lincoln County, authorities said.
Lincoln Co. Sheriff's Office Capt. David Hill said deputies responded to a "shots fired" call at a home in an unincorporated area of the county. First responders arrived shortly before 7 a.m. Saturday.
Deputies found St. Louis County Police Officer Robert Woods and another man dead. Woods, 36, had been shot multiple times. The other man, whom authorities did not identify, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The man who shot Woods "was known to the victim," Hill said, who added there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A St. Louis County police spokeswoman said Woods had five years of service with the department. He was assigned to the North County precinct.
"We ask that the community pray for Officer Woods’ family and his department family as we are all very saddened and devastated by this tragic loss," said spokeswoman Sgt. Tracy Panus.
It's unclear what led up to the shooting, but in an internal department email obtained by 5 On Your Side, St. Louis County police Chief Kenneth Gregory said "the events leading to his death are tragic."
"It is important to remember his service and dedication to the people of St. Louis County," Gregory wrote.
The St. Louis County Police Association released the following statement Monday:
“The St. Louis County Police Association mourns the senseless murder of our brother, Police Officer Robert Woods. Officer Woods dutifully served his country in the United States Marine Corps and his community as a St. Louis County Police Officer. The loss our Police family has suffered is unmeasurable. Our prayers and support are with Officer Woods’ family, to include his young daughter now and forever. The St. Louis County Police Association pledges all of our resources to assist the Woods family.”
Officer Woods will have a full police and military funeral on Jan. 7 at the Cathedral Basilica.
Hill said the investigation is ongoing.
5 On Your Side's Christine Byers contributed to this report.