Updated 10:26 a.m. 2/25/2020
MARYLAND HEIGHTS (KMOX) -- A gunman shot and killed a city employee at the Maryland Heights Community Center on Monday night, before exchanging shots with a police officer.
Chief Bill Carson says the "heroic" actions of that officer "may have prevented further bloodshed."
45-year-old Maria Lucas of Olivette was identified as the victim. She'd been employed by Maryland Heights for seven years. Lucas worked as a customer relations specialist.
Victom id'd in Maryland Heights Community Cntr 45 y/o Maria Lucas 7 yr employee of Maryland Heights Suspect I serious condition @kmoxnews pic.twitter.com/if2H8hL7WR
— Maria Keena (@kmoxmaria)
February 25, 2020 A part-time janitor is the suspect; he was apparently angry at being sent home from work. He reportedly confronted the victim at the front desk, engaged her in a brief conversation, then pulled out his handgun and shot her in the head.
At that point, Chief Carson says the suspect began pacing back and forth with the gun in his hand. An officer was in the parking lot, doing paperwork, and "immediately and without hesitation" went toward the front door.
The suspect began shooting as the officer entered. He got off multiple shots before the officer was able to return fire. The chief described a "running gun battle" between the two before the officer shot the suspect.
Two shooting victims were treated at the scene. Lucas died of her injuries at a hopsital.
Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance camera footage as well as video from the officer's body camera.
Chief Carson says he's talked with the St. Louis County prosecutor and anticipates charges against the unidentfied suspect.
More than 150 were inside the community center when the shooting happened. The chief says workers made sure families and children were hidden in closets or inside locked rooms.
Maryland Heights Community Center to remain closed @kmoxnews
— Maria Keena (@kmoxmaria)
February 25, 2020 Our original story:
We're learning more about what led to a shooting at the Maryland Heights Community Center Monday night.
Shooting at Maryland Heights Community Center pic.twitter.com/JZWMePTGuQ
— Kevin Killeen (@KMOXKilleen)
February 25, 2020 Witnesses tell KMOX the shooting stemmed from an argument between a former janitor and an employee of the center working behind a desk -- several people saw the shooting happen.
That includes a 20-year-old lifeguard, who tells KMOX one of the victims told her to go right before she was shot.
"I heard gunshots and I heard confusion from people. It was really quiet...there was a lot of shots. He just started shooting everywhere...it one of the people in the front desk. He just went on a rampage and was shot in the process."
According to witnesses... pic.twitter.com/rPvDuhfvKA
— Kevin Killeen (@KMOXKilleen)
February 25, 2020 Maryland Heights Police Chief Bill Carson confirmed that shot came from a police officer.
"We had a police officer that was on the parking lot when the shooting occurred. A female came out of the community center, notified the officer there was a man with a gun inside the community center, and that shots had been fired."
Carson praised the officer for going in right away, even before backup arrived. He says the gunman fired several shots at the officer, who returned fire and wounded him. The officer wasn't hit.
Initial reports say the gunman was killed, but Maryland Heights Police Chief Bill Carson says the gunman is still alive as of late Monday night.
Police Chief Bill Carson says one woman is dead and the gunman shot and injured by Maryland Heights Officer at the scene. Earlier reports indicated gunman was dead. pic.twitter.com/QIDsXGaAj4
— Kevin Killeen (@KMOXKilleen)
February 25, 2020 Police say this all took place inside the community center, no one is still on the loose and the community isn't in danger. It's not clear what the motive for the shooting was.
The lifeguard tells KMOX that she helped about 20 kids in the pool run to safety. They ran through the dark and the rain, many barefoot and still in swimming suits, to a nearby house.
Community Center ClosedDue to the incident that occurred tonight at the Community Center, the facility will be closed until further notice. Details will be forthcoming. We thank you for your support and understanding. https://t.co/BfNkrrPd1A
— Maryland Heights (@CityofMH)
February 25, 2020 This is a breaking news story -- check back for updates. Kevin Killeen, Maria Keena, and Michael Calhoun contributed to this story.
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