Mo. cop shot, injured by suspect

20140907 - Assault 1st on Law Enforcement

There is no greater demonstration of one’s effectiveness under stress than when faced with a sudden and direct threat of loss of life. St. Louis County Police Officer Adam Baumhardt and Velda City Detective Michael J. McCarthy Jr; experienced such a threat during his tour of duty on Sunday, September 7, 2014. At approximately 12:00 AM, Police Officer Adam Baumhardt was dispatched to a disturbance call in the 5800 block of Eagle Valley Drive, located in the Central County Precinct. A female victim was reported being chased by a male suspect and her residence was being burglarized. Additional reports from neighbors indicated an assault, describing a male suspect pulling the female victim by her hair. Officer Baumhardt and Velda City Police Officer Michael McCarthy were the initial responding officers to this scene. Upon their arrival, the female victim immediately ran toward both officers. She was visibly frightened, screamed for help, and advised officers that she feared for her safety. Furthermore, the victim directed Officer Baumhardt to the male suspect, who was on scene operating a vehicle.The suspect vehicle slowly approached the officers and their marked patrol vehicles. At this time, officers gave loud verbal commands to the suspect, instructing him to exit the vehicle. The suspect ignored the officer’s commands and began traveling in reverse, ultimately coming to a rest after striking a curb. Officers Baumhardt and McCarthy continued to engage the suspect by approaching his vehicle, all while issuing loud verbal commands for the suspect to stop and exit the vehicle. Suddenly and without any hesitation, the suspect exited his vehicle with a firearm directed at Officers Baumhardt and McCarthy. The suspect quickly discharged his firearm multiple times at the direction of these officers. Officer Baumhardt was struck by a bullet, which resulted in injuries to his arm and abdomen and damage to his department-issued Taser and Taser holster, affixed to his duty-belt. As officers were being fired upon and searching for cover, Officer McCarthy returned fire in an attempt to stop the threat. This resulted in the suspect fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed and no further deadly acts towards both officers.The suspect was eventually caught and is now serving a 14 year prison sentence. This video provided crucial evidence for his capture and at his court hearing.#saferstl#stlouis#stlouiscounty#veldacity

Posted by Velda City Police Department on Wednesday, October 14, 2015