There has been an increase in suspects committing carjackings with assault-style rifles in STL. Police say officers were investigating a crime Tuesday morning when a suspect pointed a rifle at them.
Detectives with the Special Operations Division were parked in an unmarked vehicle in the 5900 block of Page. They were wearing tactical gear with the words “Police” across their chests.
The officers ran the plates on a stolen Nissan Altima in northwest St. Louis city. The vehicle was under surveillance because police believe it was used in several carjackings. A man got out of the vehicle at a stoplight at around 11:20 a.m. and pointed an AK-style weapon at them. He told the officers to get out of the vehicle.
Acting Police Commissioner Lawrence O’Toole says he does not believe the suspect knew that the carjacking victims were police officers at the time. The officers then exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
The 21-year-old suspect from north St. Louis County was shot in the arms and legs and fell to the ground.
The vehicle he was in then sped away with at least one person inside. That Nissan was found in the 1200 block of Hamilton a short time later. Police say the Nissan was stolen in a mid-October during a carjacking in the 5200 block of Genevieve.
The weapon used in this crime was a stolen AK-47 from Jefferson County.
There is at least one suspect at large. The shooting is still under investigation. You’re encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477 if you have any information on the incident. You can also visit STLRCS.org. Tips sent through this hotline are eligible for a reward. You can remain anonymous.
