Fallen STL officer 'a hero to many,' family says

UPDATE, 9:50 p.m. | U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt released a statement on the death of Officer Bohannon.

"Officer Bohannon rushed to the scene of a dangerous situation to protect innocent lives," Blunt said. "He demonstrated the courage and selflessness that make law enforcement officers truly exceptional. In the wake of this tragedy, we are once again reminded of the sacrifices law enforcement officers and their families make every day. They deserve our unwavering support and eternal gratitude for their service.”

UPDATE, 9:03 p.m. | The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has identified the fallen officer as Tamarris L. Bohannon, who had served with the department for more than three-and-a-half years.

Bohannon's family shared a letter through the department that said he was "a hero to many."

"The loss of this great man is felt deeply within the St. Louis community," the letter stated, and we ask for your prayers and support in the days ahead."

UPDATE, 8:45 p.m. | Missouri Gov. Mike Parson expressed his sympathies for the loss of the officer.

"Our brave law enforcement officers across Missouri protect us every day without hesitation and they and their families deserve our support," Parson said in a Facebook post.

UPDATE, 8:24 p.m. | The St. Louis Metropolitan police officer who was critically injured Saturday night has died.

"We cannot express how much we appreciate the hospital staff who continuously treated both officers for their injuries," the department said on Twitter. "Thank you all for your continued thoughts & prayers."

UPDATE, 4:20 p.m. | A 43-year-old man was taken into custody following a "lengthy" standoff, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

The suspect was evaluated at an area hospital and subsequently released into police custody.

Police said one officer was released from the hospital, while the other still is in "grave condition."

ORIGINAL STORY | Two St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers were shot, one critically, on Saturday night.

One officer was shot in the head, while the other was shot in the leg, according to KSDK. Both officers are in their 20s.

The shooting occurred around 5:45 p.m. in the 3700 block of Hartford Street near Tower Grove Park, and the suspect, according to police, is "barricaded in a nearby residence."

SLMPD Chief John Hayden said during a news conference that a hostage negotiation team is handling the situation with the suspect, and a family that was "ordered" out of their home at gunpoint did not know the suspect.

City of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner said in a statement that she extends her "deepest concern and sadness surrounding today's unfortunate events."

“I want to extend my prayers for the injured SLMPD officers and their families," Gardner said.

City of St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson also released a statement regarding the shooting.

This is the eighth time officers have been shot in the line of duty since June, according to Hayden.

"We're trying to cope through a very trying summer," Hayden said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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