Man Shot In Struggle With Webster Groves Police Officer

WEBSTER GROVES, MO — A driver was shot and wounded Thursday night in a struggle with a Webster Groves police officer in Ivory Crockett Park. It is not clear whether the officer shot the man or if the gun was discharged unintentionally. The shooting occurred during an investigation of suspected drug activity, police said.

According to police, residents had complained of criminal activity near the park. Two officers were on patrol there Thursday night. Around 8:15 p.m., they approached a vehicle and detained a suspect, according to a release by the St. Louis County Police Department.

As one officer detained and handcuffed one of the vehicle's passengers, another man ignored police orders, got into the vehicle's the driver's seat, and began to drive away, police said. An officer saw a handgun and struggled with the man for control of the weapon, according to police, all the while being dragged by the vehicle.

The gun went off and the driver was struck once in the leg. He was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition. He is expected to survive. The officer was treated for minor injuries.

The shooting is being investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department. Police did not release the identity of the officers or the men who were arrested.

Image via Shutterstock