WEBSTER GROVES, MO – A driver was shot and wounded Thursday while struggling with an officer over a gun during an incident in Webster Groves. St. Louis County police say two officers with the Webster Groves Police Department were patrolling Ivory Crockett Park when they located a suspicious vehicle around 8:15 p.m.
Police approached the front passenger in the car for a narcotics-related investigation. He was eventually removed and handcuffed without incident.
Meanwhile, the driver, identified as Enzie Walton, Jr., attempted to drive away, ignoring police commands. One officer noticed a handgun near the driver. While the car was moving, the officer and Walton struggled over the gun. Police say the driver put the car in reverse, dragging the officer, then hitting the previously handcuffed passenger with a car door.
During the struggle, the gun went off and struck Walton in the leg. The vehicle then stopped and the suspect was soon after taken into custody.
The Webster Groves Police Department has asked the St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons to investigate.
The 21-year-old passenger was transported to a local hospital where he is in stable condition.
Walton, Jr., 28, was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound. His wound is non-life threatening.
The officer who was dragged suffered from abrasions and was treated. He has 36 years of service.
The officer who took the passenger suspect into custody has 5 years of service. He was not injured.
