A tense confrontation unfolded early Tuesday morning when a woman armed with a firearm pointed it at responding officers along Interstate 70, prompting police to open fire near the Earth City exit. Authorities said the woman was struck and later hospitalized, and an investigation is now underway.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, officers from the Central County Precinct were dispatched at approximately 12:33 a.m. on October 7, 2025, following a call regarding a suicidal individual. The report indicated that an adult female was walking along the eastbound lanes of I-70, just east of the Blanchette Bridge, while armed with a gun.
Upon arrival, one of the responding officers located the woman walking along the shoulder of the interstate. As the officer attempted to approach and de-escalate the situation, the woman reportedly raised her firearm and pointed it directly at the officer. At that moment, the officer discharged his service weapon, striking the woman in what police described as a “grazing wound.”
Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene. The woman was taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries, which authorities described as non-life-threatening. Police confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the location where the confrontation occurred.
The officer involved in the incident is a 28-year-old member of the St. Louis County Police Department with five years of experience in law enforcement. Officials stated that the officer was not injured during the encounter. Department leaders have praised the rapid response and adherence to training in what they described as a volatile and dangerous situation.
Traffic along Interstate 70 East, near the Earth City exit, was temporarily closed overnight as detectives and forensic units processed the scene. Officers were observed marking evidence along the roadway while crime scene investigators photographed the area where the exchange occurred. The highway was reopened several hours later after police completed their preliminary investigation.
A spokesperson for the St. Louis County Police Department said the incident remains under active investigation. Detectives are currently reviewing body-worn camera footage, interviewing responding officers, and gathering additional evidence to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Officials also emphasized the importance of mental health intervention in crisis situations. “This case highlights the unpredictable and often dangerous circumstances officers face when responding to individuals in distress,” one department representative said. “Our goal is always to resolve these calls safely and provide the help that is needed.”
Authorities have not yet released the woman’s identity as the investigation continues. The Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and the St. Louis County Police Department’s Division of Professional Standards are jointly overseeing the review process, which is standard protocol following officer-involved shootings.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or possibly receive a reward can reach CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Officials have assured the public that updates will be provided as verified details become available
