On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at approximately 8:15 p.m., a St. Louis County park ranger was involved in a shooting incident near McDonnell Park in the 3000 block of Adie Road.
The event unfolded as the ranger responded to suspicious activity involving two vehicles within the park.
Incident Overview:
- Location: McDonnell Park, 3000 block of Adie Road, St. Louis County, Missouri.
- Time: Approximately 8:15 p.m.
- Involved Parties:
- Park Ranger: A 33-year-old male with four years of law enforcement experience.
- Suspects: Occupants of two suspicious vehicles observed leaving the park.
Sequence of Events:
- Observation of Suspicious Activity: The park ranger noticed two vehicles behaving suspiciously within McDonnell Park.
- Attempted Intervention: As the ranger approached, both vehicles exited the park rapidly.
- Collision: One vehicle struck the ranger’s patrol vehicle during its departure, causing non-life-threatening injuries to the ranger.
- Use of Firearm: In response, the ranger fired his service weapon at the fleeing vehicle.
- Apprehension: A person of interest was detained shortly after the incident.
Injuries and Medical Attention:
- Park Ranger: Suffered injuries deemed non-life-threatening and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
- Suspect: The individual taken into custody was not injured by the gunfire.
Investigation Details:
- Law Enforcement Response: The St. Louis County Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident.
- Public Appeal: Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.
- Anonymous Tips: Individuals wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
The incident at McDonnell Park highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to unpredictable situations.
The swift actions of the park ranger and the subsequent investigation underscore the commitment to ensuring public safety and accountability.