ST. LOUIS — A suspect was shot and killed early Wednesday morning during a break-in at a Masonic lodge in the Central West End.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the break-in happened just before 4 a.m. at Tuscan Lodge No. 360 A.F. & A.M., located at 5015 Westminster Place, blocks away from Forest Park. In 1975, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Police said Geanard Howard, 48, broke into the lodge and made his way upstairs. The break-in triggered the building's alarm, which woke up a resident in an apartment on the third floor. The 37-year-old resident went down a flight of stairs, confronted the suspect on the second floor and shot him.
Police found Howard shot and wounded on a bathroom floor. He later died at the scene.
Police told 5 On Your Side the resident is a member of the Masonic order. He called the police after the shooting and is cooperating with the investigation.
In a weekly police news briefing Wednesday afternoon, police told 5 On Your Side they didn't have information at the time on whether Howard was armed or not.
"No matter what the facts in this investigation will be presented to the Circuit Attorney, whether or not they ultimately decide to issue any charges, that's in their purview," Sgt. Charles Wall added.
"The Castle Doctrine protects homeowners from intruders if someone breaks into (their) home and (they) have a reasonable fear that (they) are going to get hurt, (they) can use lethal force. Whether the burglar is armed or not it doesn't matter. If someone's in (their) house and it's dark, (they) are going to be scared," Anders Walker, Saint Louis University law professor, said while describing Missouri's Castle Doctrine.
He said Missouri has one of the most expansive Castle Doctrines in the country.
"In some states, you have to have a fear of being seriously injured or killed -- not in Missouri -- just fear of any injury and that seems to be the case here," Walker said.
Alderman Michael Browning of the 9th ward where the shooting happened provided the following statement:
"Whenever I hear news about a deadly shooting, it is a shock and a terribly sad thing. In this situation, it sounds like the resident is cooperating with police and there is an active investigation. I don’t have additional information at this time but will be following the situation closely. (We are) appreciative of the investigators as they look into this."
5 On Your Side reached out to the Tuscan Lodge No. 360 A.F. & A.M. 5 On Your Side has not received a response as of Wednesday evening.
About 160 members belong to Tuscan Lodge No. 360 A.F. & A.M. Past members include four Missouri governors, two St. Louis mayors, and three U.S. senators. Former President Harry S. Truman was a frequent visitor.
The Homicide Division assumed the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371 or anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
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