ST. LOUIS — Police have released body camera and social media videos in hopes of identifying those involved in a chaotic scene in downtown St. Louis overnight on Washington Avenue that included shots fired and crowds stomping on a police car.
The St. Louis Police Department said that the incident started at around 2:30 a.m. on Washington Avenue, where officers received 13 separate calls for more than 100 people partying on the top floor of an apartment building. As officers tried to break up the crowd, they began congregating outside the building.
As more police arrived to assist, several people jumped onto a police car while an officer was inside. Video police shared with 5 On Your Side showed multiple people kicking and stomping the police car and celebrating, some of them taking videos. At one point, a person was able to open the passenger-side door, police said.
Police shared the body camera video from the officer inside the vehicle, which showed multiple people jumping on the car and dancing on the hood.
A city-wide "officer in need of aid" call was initiated and multiple police vehicles responded, at which point the crowd scattered into different directions. A source told 5 On Your Side that cars were racing and driving dangerously in the area, and some of the people inside were firing guns. Police confirmed shots were fired but said no one was struck.
The officer who was inside the car was uninjured, but the car suffered "substantial damage," police said.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones shared a response to the incident on Twitter Monday morning:
"Our office has reviewed the video of people jumping on our patrol cars this weekend. While I'm thankful @SLMPD responded quickly and dispersed the crowd without conflict or injury, I'm disappointed in those people who will now have to face consequences for their behavior," she said.
"Let me be clear: You can go out and have a good time without all this nonsense. If we are committed to building a stronger city, we need to show some courtesy and respect."
Ward 5 Alderman James Page told 5 On Your Side he's extremely disappointed and heartbroken to see the disruptions.
"They are showing tremendous disrespect for law enforcement, for residents of downtown St. Louis, and for business owners in the area," said Page. "They should be prepared to accept the consequences of their actions."
Page says he fully supports law enforcement taking necessary investigative actions and arrests.
As of Monday morning, no arrests had been reported.
Police also released video they obtained from social media of the incident Monday morning, asking for help identifying anyone seen in the video or on social media. Anyone with information is asked to call a 4th District detective at 314-444-2500 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).