Police Identify Man Killed in Bridgeton Officer-Involved Shooting

BRIDGETON, Mo. — Police have identified the man killed during an exchange of gunfire with Bridgeton officers at a business on October 29 as Austin Howerton, 32, of Florissant.

The St. Louis County Police Department released Howerton’s identity in an October 30 update. Detectives with the department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating at the request of Bridgeton police.

Officers Responded to Report of Employees Held at Gunpoint

According to police, Bridgeton officers responded at approximately 9:12 p.m. Thursday, October 29, to a business in the 11900 block of St. Charles Rock Road.

The call followed reports that a former employee had entered the business and was holding employees at gunpoint.

Police said arriving officers encountered a man with a gun and that an exchange of gunfire followed. Howerton was pronounced dead at the scene.

The release did not specify who fired first or provide a detailed account of the sequence of events. Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Three Bridgeton Officers Involved

Police provided the following information about the three officers involved:

• A 47-year-old officer with four years of experience with Bridgeton police.
• A 55-year-old officer with 12 years of experience with Bridgeton police.
• A 31-year-old officer with four years of experience with Bridgeton police.

The department did not identify the officers in the release.

No other injuries were reported, and no officers were physically injured, according to police.

Investigation Remains Active

Police cautioned that preliminary details may change as the investigation progresses. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators.

To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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