2 police officers shot in north St. Louis County; suspect barricaded

ST. LOUIS, MO — Two police officers were shot at Thursday morning, December 14th in St. Louis County.

According to FOX2 News, the officers were hit in the chest, but their bulletproof vest may have saved their lives.  The officers are conscious and speaking.

FOX2 reports that one suspect is barricaded in a home.  A tactical operations unit is on the scene.   They are trying to communicate with the suspect in the home.

Police were responding to the home after reports of shots fired in  Bellefontaine Neighbors Wednesday night. Neighbors told police that the man left the residence Thursday morning.  Officers caught up with him -- and tried to talk to the man.  The situation escalated and officers may have used a taser to apprehend him.  Police say he pulled out a handgun and shot both of the officers in their chests. Police returned fire and it isn't known if the suspect was injured in the shooting.

Police say the 37-year-old man ran into a nearby home.  They are not certain the suspect lives at the home and have not yet made contact.  The home is surrounded and authorities are working to take the suspect into custody.

Initial reports stated that the suspect was armed with a rifle. Investigators say the suspect is well known to police. They say the suspect may own an AR-15 rifle.

Police say a 44-year-old male officer and a 25-year-old officer were injured in the shooting. Reports indicate that both of the the officer's injuries are minor. There may be bruising where the bullets hit their vests. They were taken to the hospital to be checked out.