MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. – A 17-year-old is facing five charges after shooting a Maryland Heights police officer Thursday morning.
Menuis Ellis, 17, of Pine Lawn, is facing two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action and a count for stealing something under $150. His bond is set at $1 million.
Police said Ellis was pulling on door handles of cars and an officer approached him and identified himself as a police officer. Ellis pointed a gun at the police officer and fired the gun, striking that officer twice – once in the upper thigh and once in the groin.
The shooting happened just before 4 a.m. at the Pavilion Apartments on Summerhouse Drive.
The other officer fired back at Ellis and Ellis fired back at the officer and then led officers on a brief foot chase. Ellis put the gun down and was immediately arrested. According to court documents, Ellis admitted he shot at the officers and stole a purse with $50 from a car.
The 38-year-old officer that shot was taken to the hospital and the police chief said he is doing "remarkably well. He has been with the department for nine years.
Davina Parker, 26, of Jennings, is charged with one count of stealing and her bond is set at $2,500.