Fleeing SUV causes wreck in St. Louis; 1 dead

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- One woman died and another was badly hurt after their sport utility vehicle was struck by an SUV that was fleeing from police.

It happened Thursday night in St. Louis. The victim was identified Friday as Sadie Perkins, 71, of St. Louis. A 47-year-old woman was in critical condition, and a 73-year-old man was also hurt.

Police Chief Joe Mokwa said officers responded around 11:45 p.m. to 911 calls of shots being fired involving a black Mercedes SUV. When officers approached the vehicle, the driver showed a handgun and sped away, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph.

A few moments later, the Mercedes struck the rear of a Ford Explorer, causing it to flip over. Perkins and the two injured people were in the Explorer.

Warrants for second-degree murder were issued against the Mercedes driver, Thomas Williams III, 27, of ST. Louis. He was also charged with unlawful use of a weapon and flourishing and resisting arrest by flight.