UPDATE: The attached map has been created to show where the traffic stop was being conducted and where shots were fired from at law enforcement.
ST. LOUIS, Mo — Just after 9pm Tuesday, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department District 6 officers, working in conjunction with federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), conducted a traffic stop in the area of Thekla Avenue and Riverview Boulevard.
Within minutes of the stop, a vehicle approached the area and occupants opened fire on law enforcement officers. At this stage of the investigation, detectives believe the vehicle may have been involved in an attempted ambush of the officers.
Following the gunfire, officers initiated a pursuit of the suspect vehicle, which ultimately came to a stop in the 1500 block of Sells Avenue. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the area and conducted an extensive search for those involved, but the suspects managed to escape.
Investigators are requesting residents and business owners to review their surveillance video between the time frame of 8:45pm and 10pm in the areas of Thekla Avenue and Riverview Boulevard, 1500 block of Sells Avenue and the entire neighborhood north of Melrose Avenue and South of McLaran Avenue, including Tara Lane and Drury Lane. Videos can be submitted to [email protected].
The suspect vehicle, a Gray Ford Fusion, did not have a license plate and appears to have a faded bumper sticker on the trunk, has been seized. Anyone with information about the suspect vehicle or the individuals possibly operating it should contact law enforcement.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call District 6 detectives (314) 444-0001. Anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a possible cash reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Only tips submitted to CrimeStoppers that lead to a felony arrest are eligible for CrimeStoppers’ rewards.