A St. Louis County police officer was injured overnight in the 5800 block of Eagle Valley when a man fired at the officer, grazing his gun belt. A Velda City officer returned gunfire and it is not known if the suspect was hit before he fled the scene, the police said in a statement.
Police identified the alleged shooter as Eric Fowler, 27, of the 5400 block of Thrush. Fowler was charged today with first-degree assault on a police officer and armed criminal action. The vehicle allegedly driven by Fowler from the scene of the shooting was recovered by police.
Police gave this account of the incident: The officers were responding to a call received at around 12 a.m. today in which neighbors reported a disturbance at a house in unincorporated St. Louis County . Neighbors said a man was attempting to enter the address, and one caller added that a female was seen running out of the rear of the residence.
When the officers arrived, they saw a man who quickly entered a gray Dodge Avenger and backed the car out of the parking space.
After officers approached the car to speak with the driver, the vehicle stopped and the driver fired several gunshots at the officers. One of the rounds struck the St. Louis County officer in his gun belt. The second officer, a Velda City police officer, returned fire. The vehicle fled the scene, and police don't know if the driver was struck by return fire.
The St. Louis County officer, who has been with the department a little more than one year, was transported to the hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The police are seeking help locating Fowler, who is considered armed and dangerous. Tips can be made by dialing 911 or calling county police at 314-615-5360.
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