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Mokwa Fires Policeman, Suspends Another

St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa (KWMU file photo)
St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa (KWMU file photo)

By Bill Raack, KWMU

St. Louis – One St. Louis police officer has been fired and another suspended in the wake of an incident last week. The policemen shot 28 rounds into a fleeing car in which a couple and their three young children were riding.

Police Chief Joe Mokwa has fired a probationary officer who was on the force a short time. Mokwa is recommending the suspended officer be dismissed as well.

He says the shootings were not justified, even though the motorist had disobeyed the officers' orders.

"I don't believe they should have fired any shots in this situation and one was too many and 28 were absolutely too many," Mokwa said.

Reverend B.T. Rice, who's been critical of the officers' actions, says he's satisfied with the chief's decision.

"There were at least three policies that were violated and I think that this certainly rises to the punishment that was given," Rice said.

The investigation continues into the role of two other officers involved in the case.

The cars driver was injured, but his wife and children were not harmed.

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