Man killed in officer-involved shooting following foot pursuit near the Galleria Mall
RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. September 1 2019 Police said a 23-year-old man was killed after he ran from a Richmond Heights officer near the St. Louis Galleria Mall Saturday afternoon.
Sergeant Ben Granda with the St. Louis County Police said this all started when a mall security officer noticed an armed man inside the mall around 3 p.m.
The security officer contacted a Richmond Heights police officer who observed a handgun on the man’s waistband.
The officer approached the man to tell him about the Galleria’s no guns policy.
Police said the man ran away while the officer was speaking to him.
The officer chased him on foot and reached the parking lot adjacent to Simmons Bank on Clayton Rd. and Clayshire Dr. in Clayton, across the street from the Galleria.
Police said the 50-year-old officer then shot the man while at the parking lot.
Police didn’t provide any information on why the officer discharged his firearm. The officer has 23 years of experience with the Richmond Heights Police Department.
The 23-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene.
Police said the handgun was recovered on the scene.
A woman who says she’s the sister of the man killed by police told News 4 her brother was at the mall shopping with his pregnant girlfriend. Rachel Jones said she doesn’t understand what led to the shooting.
“Words can’t explain that’s my only brother, he had a baby coming,” Jones said.
Witnesses said they heard four to seven gunshots.
St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell promised transparency throughout the investigation.
“We take these things seriously and support our law enforcement and will be as transparent as possible but transparency doesn’t always happen immediately,” Bell said.
Police from Brentwood, Clayton, Maplewood and Ladue were on scene.
The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigation the situation.
Police believe there were additional witnesses near the scene. If you have any information, call 636-529-8210. To remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
KMOV
