Rico Martin Allegedly Fires At St. Louis Officers, Prompting Shootout; Three Hospitalized
Last night, two St. Louis metro police officers responded to a call for a panic alarm in the Baden neighborhood -- and were soon engaged in a shootout that sent both of them, and the suspect, to the hospital. 
Police just announced this afternoon that 44-year-old Rico Martin has been charged with two counts of assault on law enforcement officials, two counts of armed criminal action -- and felony possession of a firearm.
What prompted the shooting?
Police report that the officers -- a 31-year old female and 26-year old male -- were responding to call at 900 block of Elias Avenue close to 11 p.m. last night. They were walking toward the rear of the residence when the violence began.
The suspect, police say, emerged from the basement door and started firing several shots at the officers.
via Google Maps
The two returned fire and allegedly struck Martin multiple times.
The female officer was struck in the foot and was subsequently treated at the hospital and released. The male officer was struck in the upper thigh; police say he is in stable condition but was admitted overnight for observation and as of this morning, remained hospitalized.
The suspect also went to the hospital, where he was listed in critical/stable condition.
Police recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun from the scene.
Here's some commentary from Police Chief Sam Dotson on the shootout:
@barnesjewish with two officers shot tonight both are talking and in good spirits.
— Chief Sam Dotson (@ChiefSLMPD) February 21, 2013
Positive updates from the hospital this morning...one officer released last night, the other was held overnight w/ expected released today.
— Chief Sam Dotson (@ChiefSLMPD) February 21, 2013
Positive updates from the hospital this morning...one officer released last night, the other was held overnight w/ expected released today.
— Chief Sam Dotson (@ChiefSLMPD) February 21, 2013
And the mayor:
Two officers who were shot are in good spirits. Injuries not life threatening. Pray for full and speedy recovery. #fgs
— MayorSlay.com (@MayorSlay) February 21, 2013
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