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.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Hundreds of students and community members are mourning the death of Erik Spencer, who was fatally shot at a shopping center in Jefferson City on November 1.
Authorities have confirmed Spencer’s death but have not yet released details regarding the individual responsible for the shooting.
Multiple witness accounts suggest the shooter may have been a white male, reportedly described by some as a possible off-duty police officer.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred as Erik and his girlfriend were leaving a store when a verbal argument broke out between them.
The male individual allegedly intervened, despite being told that the situation was under control.
Moments later, witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, striking Erik.
Friends and witnesses at the scene stated that Erik did not pose any threat to the shooter and that the confrontation escalated unnecessarily.
Law enforcement agencies have not confirmed the shooter’s identity, whether he is affiliated with law enforcement, or if he has been detained or turned himself in.
The Jefferson City Police Department and local investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Community members have since gathered for vigils and memorials to honor Erik’s memory as the investigation remains active and ongoing.