Officer Shoots 15-Year-Old Who Had Gun In North St. Louis: Police

ST. LOUIS, MO — A St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer shot a 15-year-old in north St. Louis shortly before noon Wednesday, according to a statement from Police Chief John Hayden.

Police say they had received a call about a disturbance involving a group of people near the intersection of Union Boulevard and Wabada Avenue. A nearby plainclothes gang intervention officer responded to the call.

Police say the 15-year-old was among the group and turned toward the officer when confronted. According to police, the teen was holding a gun. It's not clear if he raised or pointed the weapon.

The officer — 40 years old with 10 years of experience on the force — fired several shots, striking the teenager, who is in "critical, unstable" condition at a local hospital, according to the police chief.

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Hayden said the department's force investigative unit is investigating the shooting. He was unsure how quickly the shooting took place after the officer confronted the suspect or how many shots the officer fired.

No officers were injured.

A weapon was recovered from the scene, police said. It had not been fired. The officer was not wearing a body camera, but police say they are working to obtain any nearby surveillance footage.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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