Violent End To Police Pursuit Under Investigation

KSDK
Jan. 30, 2006

Click here to watch the end of the police chase and the arrest.

(KSDK) - St. Louis and Maplewood police say they're reviewing the violent arrest of a suspect who'd lead police on a high-speed chase Monday morning.

The suspect was taken into custody amidst allegations by some witnesses that excessive force may have been used.

The incident started in Maplewood, when police believed the suspect may have been casing a convenience store. When officers approached the suspect, he took off in a GMC conversion van.

The pursuit headed south on McCausland, east on Arsenal, north on Kingshighway, and then east on Page.

Maplewood police finally cornered the suspect near North Florissant and Pleasant, after the suspect's van and the police cars collided. Police say the suspect tried to escape by ramming a couple of Maplewood police cruisers, then running away.

After a short foot pursuit, four police officers beat the suspect with their fists and kicked him.

The arrest was captured by Chopper 5 video.

3 Maplewood police officers and the suspect all suffered injuries that are not considered life-threatening. The suspect and one officer were taken to local hospitals.

The Maplewood Police Department says the officers were not sure if the suspect was armed, and that the suspect may have been resisting arrest.

A news conference was scheduled by police for 3 p.m.