St. Louis (KSDK) - An off-duty police officer interrupted a burglary Tuesday evening and shot one of two people trying to break into his home.
The shooting happened in the 5100 block of Lotus in north St. Louis around 6:20 p.m.
Authorities say the off-duty officer is a five-year veteran detective in Beverly Hills, Missouri and was inside his home when he heard a noise in the back of the house.
He went to investigate and saw two intruders trying to break into the home.
The detective retrieved a handgun and fired a shot at the first suspect entering his home.
The suspect, identified as 16-year-old Jaleel Jackson, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other suspect got away.
The detective was not injured during the incident. He will be placed on paid leave, which is standard procedure, pending the outcome of the investigation.
KSDK