Thieves Who Stick Up Cop, Get Bullet in the Buttocks

This just in from the St. Louis police department.

Thieves attempting to victimize an off-duty St. Louis police officer last night became victims themselves in a robbery-turned-shooting.

The event occurred around 6:30 p.m. Thursday just after the cop cashed his paycheck at the Currency Exchange at 900 N. Grand Avenue. The 48-year-old officer was not in uniform as he walked to his car and was approached by two teenagers who flashed a gun and announced a holdup.


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According to police, the officer -- a 23-year veteran of the force -- was carrying a gun and took cover behind his vehicle. As the crooks began shooting, the officer drew his weapon and returned fire. The officer (who's name has not yet been released) was hit once in the side of the abdomen with the bullet entering and exiting his torso.

As the thieves began running from the scene and up nearby Enright Avenue, the injured officer gave chase. The two men outran the wounded cop, with witnesses reporting the thieves shedding clothes as they hustled down the street. Police later recovered a weapon along the route.

Around 8 p.m. last night a 17-year-old male was dropped off at a hospital with a bullet wound to his back, just above his buttocks. Police have I.D.'d the man as one of the culprits in the hold-up. He is in serious condition at the hospital while his partner remains on the loose.

The wounded officer, meanwhile, was treated for his wound and released last night.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS.