A 19-year-old St. Louis teenager, Sir-Lou Henry Simms, was arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft after allegedly stealing an idling, unmarked St. Louis City Sheriff’s vehicle on Montana Street. During the incident, the pursuing deputy fired two shots after observing Simms reaching toward the center console. Despite suffering non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, Simms abandoned the vehicle in a nearby alley and flagged down local police for medical assistance, leading to his hospital treatment, subsequent discharge, and formal police custody.
St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: St. Louis Deputy Opens Fire! Young Car Thief Caught After Shocking Stolen-Ride Shooting Spree
The morning sun was rising on the St. Louis city street,
A deputy went out to work, his duty to complete.
He left his unmarked vehicle with engine running low,
A moment’s distraction before he had to go.
Nineteen-year-old Sir-Lou Henry Simms was standing nearby,
He spotted the running engine and gave a subtle sigh.
He slipped into the driver’s seat and put it into drive,
Taking off into the morning, feeling fast and alive.
The deputy took off on foot, pursuing down the block,
The sudden theft of his patrol car came as quite a shock.
Through the 3600 block of Montana they did race,
The officer pursuing hard to keep up with the pace.
He saw the young man reach down low toward the center tray,
And fearing what might happen next, he fired along the way.
Two shots broke through the morning air, and both of them took hold,
A sudden turn of heavy fate as the wild scene unfolded.
Though wounded twice, young Simms drove on, refusing yet to stop,
Until he pulled into an alley, letting the stolen vehicle drop.
He left the car behind the alley, bleeding from the harm,
And sought out help from nearby police to sound a quiet alarm.
He flagged down officers close by who answered another call,
And told them he’d been shot today, explaining it through it all.
They took him to the hospital, where doctors patched his skin,
His injuries not life-threatening, but his trouble was just beginning.
Now released into custody, he faces a heavy charge,
For stealing a motor vehicle while running free at large.
The deputy was uninjured, and the investigation grows,
As the city’s review unit checks how the story goes.
From heartbreaking losses to shocking crimes, these stories paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing our communities. Let’s hope for justice, healing, and a safer tomorrow.
St. Louis Crime Chime: Partnering for a Safer Community
The St. Louis Crime Chime is evolving into a mission-driven organization dedicated to partnering with local public safety agencies and community-focused media, such as The Evening Whirl and Real STL News, to shine a light on social and violence-related issues. Our goal is to provide resources that support both victims and perpetrators of traumatic events, fostering healing and prevention within our community.
Through its St. Louis Crime Chime section. This essential platform empowers residents by highlighting emerging threats and safety concerns, encouraging vigilance and informed decision-making. Beyond reporting, it holds individuals and institutions accountable by keeping arrests and legal proceedings in the public eye, promoting transparency and urging neighbors to protect and support one another.
While the headlines often confront difficult truths, they also serve as a rallying cry for action. By staying informed through reliable sources and official police data, residents can move beyond fear and take an active role in prevention and community-building efforts. Together, we can transform awareness into meaningful change, helping St. Louis write a safer, more hopeful chapter for all.
What You Can Do
- Get Mental Health resources help for you and your family
- For daily updates, check the SLMPD Crime and Investigations page.
- For anonymous tips to the St. Louis police, use the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for free and confidential support. We provide free & confidential support to people in crisis for any reason, 24 hours a day.
- StopBullying.gov: Offers resources and help lines, including options for youth and veterans (Dial 988 then press 1).
- Protect our children: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can.htm
Stay tuned, stay safe, and remember: “If it’s crime you seek, we’ve got the streak.
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