Suspect admits to firing shots that struck two officers in Ferguson

FERGUSON, MO (KTVI)- St. Louis County Police have confirmed to  FOX 2 that the suspected shooter of two police officers early Thursday morning outside of the Ferguson police department is in custody. Jeffrey Williams, 20, of north St. Louis County, has been charged with two counts of first-degree assault, firing a weapon from a vehicle, and three counts of armed criminal action. He is in custody with cash-only bail set at $300,000.

The two officers were shot just after midnight, as many protestors were headed home following a night of protests after the resignation of the city’s police chief. The two were standing with other officers in front of the police department on South Florissant Road working crowd control.

At a Sunday afternoon news conference, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch said that Williams has admitted to firing the shots that struck the officers.

Williams was at the protest in Ferguson Wednesday. He left, possibly after a dispute, and then later returned and fired shots, possibly at someone other than police.

“We’re not 100 percent sure there was a dispute,” McCulloch said at the news conference.

Williams is on probation for receiving stolen property and wanted for failing to report to his probation officer.

One of the wounded officers is from Webster Groves Police and was shot in the cheek, just under his right eye. The other wounded officer is with the St. Louis County Police and was hit in the shoulder and the bullet came out the middle of his back. Both men were treated and released.

McCulloch stated the investigation is ongoing but acknowledged that members of the community helped solve this case. He asked that anyone with more information in the case should contact St. Louis County Police.