ST. LOUIS — A 20-year-old man who police said opened fire at police officers in a marked police vehicle in south St. Louis early Sunday morning was charged Monday morning.
Derek Morado Gama was charged with one count each of first-degree assault of a special victim and armed criminal action in connection with the early Sunday morning incident.
Police said the officers heard gunfire at about 12:30 a.m. as they were driving southbound in a parking lot in the 4900 block of Christy Boulevard. After going around a nearby building, they saw Gama stick a handgun with an extended clip out of a tan pickup truck's driver-side window.
That's when the suspect opened fire at police officers before driving away, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Police said the officers saw "several muzzle flashes" come from the gun, and heard bullets fly past their police vehicle.
The three SLMPD officers in the car then turned on sirens to stop the suspect. Gama drove a short distance before pulling over at Itaska Street and Alfred Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident.
Police said they found a handgun with an extended clip in Gama's truck.
Police said no officers were injured in the incident.
Gama is being held without bond.
