ST. LOUIS (AP) — One police officer was shot and wounded, while two others were injured Sunday when a man fired at them and later rammed into one of their vehicles, authorities said.
Peter Webb, 23, was arrested Sunday and charged with three counts of first-degree assault, armed criminal action, one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of resisting, news outlets reported.
St. Louis Metropolitan police said the three officers were at a gas station around 1 a.m. dispersing loiterers when Webb drove past them and fired at the police cruisers.
St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden said the officers thought the shots were fireworks and didn't notice they were being shot at until a back passenger window shattered.
Police said the officers pursued Webb, while he continued to shoot at them. Hayden said the chase ended when Webb pulled a U-turn and rammed into one of the police vehicles before crashing into a traffic light.
Webb fled on foot but was later captured by two officers. One of the officers was shot in the elbow and the other injured his knee during the arrest. Both officers were hospitalized and later released.
The officer in the crash had head injuries but didn't seek treatment.
Police said a sawed-off shotgun was found in Webb's car. Hayden said the attack seems random.
It's unclear whether Webb had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.