A mental health call in the Skinker-DeBalivere neighborhood left a St. Louis police officer with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
Police Chief Robert Tracy says they responded around 4:30 Friday afternoon to the Winter Garden Apartments on Kingsbury Place, where they struggled with a man, who then pulled a gun and fired.
"At some point, a struggle ensued, and the suspect fired a handgun which was concealed inside his pocket and/or sweatshirt/hoodie," Tracy said.
The 44-year-old, 15 year veteran officer who was shot in his arm and shoulders is in stable condition at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Another officer, a 38-year-old, ten year veteran, experienced lacerations on his hands in the struggle. The suspect is a 71-year-old man, who was treated for a hand injury and was taken to a different hospital.
“Thankfully, this was not a lot worse, because it could’ve been a lot worse,” Tracy said.
Mayor Tishaura Jones' office released a statement saying she has been briefed by the Chief on the shooting.
"Praying for our SLMPD officers injured this afternoon in Skinker-DeBaliviere and thankful to hear they are in stable condition," Jones wrote.