Crime
Woman found dead in truck near Aldi store in Festus, suspect in custody
The involved officer has been confirmed to be unharmed.
A series of tragic events unfolded late Sunday morning in Crystal City, Missouri, involving a fatal officer-involved shooting and the discovery of a woman’s body in a vehicle, authorities reported.
The incidents began around 11:30 a.m. near the Aldi grocery store located in the 700 block of South Truman Parkway at the intersection with Veterans Boulevard.
According to eyewitness accounts, a truck with blown-out tires was stopped in the middle of South Truman Parkway. Police officers surrounded the vehicle, exiting their patrol cars with weapons drawn. The male driver exited the truck, behaving erratically, according to one witness who asked to remain anonymous.
The man brandished two pistols, initially pointing them at his own head before firing both guns. The shots did not strike him, but the display heightened tensions. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapons.
The situation escalated further when the man pointed one of the firearms in the direction of the officers. Police responded by opening fire, striking the suspect. Despite being hit, the man attempted to stand and again pointed a weapon at the officers, prompting a second round of gunfire that incapacitated him.
“The suspect was yelling for help,” the witness said. “The officers were instructing him to roll away from the guns so they could provide aid, but he refused to comply.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which has taken over the investigation, confirmed that a woman was found deceased inside the truck, and the suspect was taken into police custody.
The suspect’s condition has not been disclosed.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Grant Bissell reassured the public that the incident posed no ongoing threat. “We can confirm we are investigating an officer-involved shooting for Crystal City Police, and there is no danger to the general public,” Bissell stated.
Authorities noted that the officer-involved shooting is unrelated to an earlier robbery and pursuit reported in Arnold.
The Aldi grocery store remained open during the investigation, though traffic in the immediate area was redirected as law enforcement worked to process the scene.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.