Around 3.am. on November 20, 2025, officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) were notified of a one-vehicle crash in the area of 6th and Washington. SLMPD officers were asked to expedite due to the vehicle being on fire. The vehicle involved in the crash had been fleeing law enforcement from the State of Illinois.
A preliminary investigation reveals officers with the Washington Park, Illinois Police Department attempted to stop a Lincoln MKS sedan for traffic charges and suspected Driving Under the Influence when it fled. Officers pursued the vehicle before officers with the Sauget, Illinois Police Department took lead in the pursuit.
The driver of the fleeing car lost control and crashed into a traffic light and concrete structure at 6th and Washington. The suspect vehicle caught on fire and officers rescued the suspect from the car.
The driver, a 26-year-old man, was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The 26-year-old suspect was the only occupant inside the vehicle.
Video evidence of the crash has been seized.
No SLMPD officers were involved in the pursuit.
SLMPD Accident Reconstruction investigators along with detectives with the Force Investigations Unit responded to investigate the incident.
Accident Reconstruction investigates all crashes that result in death or life-threatening injuries. The Force Investigations Unit investigates law enforcement encounters that result in death or life-threatening injuries within the City of St. Louis. Detectives will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and prepare a full report.