
Kevin Killeen/KMOX
Police Search for Catholic Supply Store Murder Suspect
Police confirm the fatal shooting began as a sexual assault at gunpoint inside the store.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY (KMOX) - (UPDATED 7:58 p.m.) St. Louis County police say an armed gunman is on the loose after sexually assaulting and fatally shooting a woman at a Catholic supply store in Ballwin.
New Information: We are saddened to report that this incident is now a homicide investigation. The suspect is believed to be between 45 to 50 years of age and is still at large. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) November 20, 2018
The call came in about 3:19 p.m. Monday regarding Catholic Supply of St. Louis, Inc, in the 14000 block of Manchester.
County police Sgt. Shawn McGwire confirms the shooting began as a sexual assault at gunpoint inside the Catholic Supply store.
McGwire could not confirm reports that multiple women were sexually assaulted, the AP reports.
StLCo Police Sgt. Shawn McGwire, confirming the shooting at Catholic Supply began as a sexual assault at gunpoint. One woman critical. pic.twitter.com/pHcygJqcxU
— Kevin Killeen (@KMOXKilleen) November 19, 2018
At least one person was taken to an area hospital. Police say the woman died there.
At this time we are looking for a suspect described as a white male, 5’7”, heavy build wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and a large belt. The suspect was also wearing a black or gray hat. If you have info, call 911. @ksdknews @kmoxnews @FOX2now @kmov @stltoday
— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) November 19, 2018
County police tweeted that they are looking for a suspect described as a white man, 5’7”, with a heavy build, believed to be between the ages of 45 and 50. The man was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, large belt, and a black or gray hat.
There is no word on motive. Police say the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
If anyone has information, they are asked to call 911.
Please keep in mind: If you were in the area of Manchester Road and Weidman Rd and saw anything out of the ordinary around 3:20 p.m. today, please contact us. No detail is too small to report. Call 911 if you think you have information. #SeeItSayIt
— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) November 19, 2018
The Archdiocese of St. Louis released this statement following the incident:
From @abp_carlson on the #Catholic Supply tragedy. #CatholicSTL pic.twitter.com/wYtapadUZI
— Archdiocese of STL (@archstl) November 19, 2018
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.