10/12/24 St. Louis, MO – Suspects Had Guns And Carjacked A Civilian – St. Louis Police Officer Cuffed Him – He Slipped His Cuffs And Stole A St. Louis Police Car – Crashed Police Car Into A Tree – Hospital And Jail

October 12, 2024

www.fox2now.com

A man who was arrested Friday evening in a St. Louis carjacking case later took off in an unattended police car, removing handcuffs and making it from the back to the driver’s seat. A short time later, he crashed the police car into a tree.

The man was taken to a hospital for treatment after the crash before he was booked into jail a short time later.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department says this all unfolded after police responded to a report of a carjacking.

District 3 officers learned of a stolen Chevrolet Silverado in the 3400 block of Oregon around 7 p.m. Friday. The truck was believed to be used in a carjacking that occurred in the 2700 block of Keokuk around 8:30 p.m. 

A man told officers that two men, possibly in their teens, got out of a Chevrolet Silverado armed with guns.  One of the men struck the man in the head before both men stole the man’s Chevrolet Cruze.

District 1 officers saw the stolen Chevrolet Silverado in the area of Oregon and Meramec around 9:30 p.m.  Officers attempted to pull the truck over when it fled.

Officers say they followed the Silverado to the 2900 block of Cherokee where three people ran from the truck. They then ran after a 23-year-old man and eventually arrested him.

Officers also say they recovered two guns. One of the guns was reported stolen from St. Peters.

Police then report that the 23-year-old man was put into the back of a marked Police Tahoe, handcuffed with his hands behind his back. Moments later, officers were standing near the marked Police Tahoe when it sped off.

Police tracked the Tahoe to Osage and Illinois where the Tahoe had hit a tree. The 23-year-old man was still inside the vehicle but had removed the handcuffs.

Police then placed the man in handcuffs again and took him to a hospital for treatment prior to booking.

The 23-year-old man was arrested for stealing the police vehicle and escaping custody.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the South Patrol Division at 314-444-0100.  Anyone who wants to remain anonymous and/or is interested in a possible reward can call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).