14-Year-Old Dead After Police-Involved Shooting
12/29/2006

(KSDK) - A 14-year-old boy died after being shot by a St. Louis police officer.

The victim is identified as Jeremy Robinson, a student at Turner Middle School.

There are conflicting reports of the moments leading up to the fatal shooting in the 5500 block of Greer Avenue on the city's north side.

St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa() said officers saw Robinson in the passenger seat of a van being driven at a high rate of speed through a residential neighborhood.

Mokwa said the driver of the van forced a patrol car on a sidewalk to avoid being hit. At that point, police began pursuing the van.

The van crashed into a tree. Robinson and the driver fled on foot.

Neighbors said police ordered Robinson to the ground and shot him twice before placing a .45 caliber handgun on him and shooting him four more times. Police said Robinson had the gun on him and deny planting the gun. Officers say Robinson pointed the gun at them before he was shot.

The officer who shot Robinson has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedure for the department. The officer's name has not been released.

Police are still seeking the driver of the van.