A robbery suspect was killed Tuesday in an officer-involved shooting in St. Louis, just miles from where 18-year-old Michael Brown was killed 10 days earlier.
Police confirmed that there was an officer involved in a shooting about 12:30 p.m. outside a Six Stars Market at McLaran Avenue and Riverview Drive in North St. Louis, a local CBS affiliate reported.
Police said a man tried to rob the convenience store with a knife. The suspect refused to put down the weapon when police arrived, and he was shot and killed as he tried to charge at them, police said.
No officers were injured in the incident.
Fox 2’s Danielle Scruggs reported that one witness called the incident “suicide by cop.”
Miss Scruggs reported that several witnessed confirmed the suspect said “shoot me now, kill me now” before he was shot.
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When asked about the validity of the shooting, Police Chief Sam Dotson said officers “have a right” to defend themselves.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay responded to the shooting on Twitter.
“There will, of course, be a complete and transparent investigation to review circumstances and policies,” he tweeted to his 30,000 followers. “I am also making calls to pastors, the NAACP. And to members of the Board of aldermen.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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