FERGUSON, Mo. – The girlfriend and family of Tyrone Harris Jr. insists that he was not armed and was running away from gunfire when he was shot and critically wounded by police.
state of emergency was imposed Aug. 10 as the 18-year-old fought for his life at Final Call press time. According to the St. Louis County Police Dept. the young man was involved in a gunfight with others on West Florissant Avenue, fled his enemies but turned his weapon on plainclothes officers responding to the gunplay. Authorities said a stolen 9mm gun was found at the scene.
“In light of last night’s violence and unrest in the City of Ferguson, and the potential for harm to persons and property, I am exercising my authority as county executive to issue a state of emergency, effective immediately,” Mr. Stenger announced referring to 50-60 gunshots that rang out the early morning of Aug. 10. St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said shots were fired at an unmarked police vehicle with bullets piercing a window and the front of the vehicle.
Mr. Harris, Jr., is accused of firing those shots.
He faces 10 felony charges, five counts of armed criminal action, four counts of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and a firearms charge. He was in critical condition after surgery and family members complained they were given no information and were not given a chance to see him.
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