St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger has issued the following statement regarding the recent events in Ferguson:
“In light of last night’s violence and unrest in the City of Ferguson, and the potential for harm to persons and property, I am exercising my authority as county executive to issue a state of emergency, effective immediately.
The recent acts of violence will not be tolerated in a community that has worked so tirelessly over the last year to rebuild and become stronger. The time and investment in Ferguson and Dellwood will be not destroyed by a few that wish to violate the rights of others.
I commend the St. Louis County Police Department, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and other local agencies for their professional response as they work daily in the service of law, order, and peace.
Pursuant to my executive order, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar shall immediately take over the operation of police emergency management in the City of Ferguson and surrounding areas.
Chief Belmar shall exercise all powers and duties necessary to preserve order, prevent crimes and protect the life and property of our citizens.”
Meanwhile, prosecutors have filed 10 counts against Tyrone Harris, the 18-year-old who was critically wounded after being shot by police Sunday night in Ferguson. Harris remains hospitalized following surgery. Police have described his condition as critical.
Chief Belmar says Harris was among about six people who fired shots during a protest on the anniversary of the shooting death of Michael Brown. He says Harris fired into the windshield of a van carrying four plainclothes officers, who returned fire. But the suspect's father says two girls who were with his son told him he was unarmed and "running for his life" when he was shot.
The suspect had a semi-automatic 9 mm gun that was stolen last year from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Belmar said.
None of the officers was seriously injured. All four have been put on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. They were not wearing body cameras, Belmar said.
The shooting happened around 11:15 p.m. Sunday, sending protesters and reporters running for cover.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
