Police shooting in St. Louis fatal to would-be robber

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A St. Louis police officer moonlighting as a security officer at a restaurant shot and killed a would-be robber early Friday, police said.

The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Brett Holloway of Waynesville. The officer's name was not released. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The incident happened at 1:25 a.m. at a Denny's restaurant in south St. Louis. Police gave this account:

The officer was working a second job as a security guard at the restaurant and was seated at the counter, in his police uniform, when the suspect came in.

Police said Holloway pulled a stocking down over his face, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer and workers at the counter. The officer drew his gun and fired several shots at the suspect.

Holloway fell behind the counter still clutching his weapon. The officer ordered him to drop it, but when the suspect refused, the officer fired several more shots.

Holloway was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. He was identified through a driver's license found in a vehicle at the rear of the restaurant.

No customers were inside the restaurant the time. The officer and employees were not hurt.

The incident was the latest of several in recent years involving gunfire between St. Louis police and suspects. Police Chief Joe Mokwa said Wednesday that while crime in the city is down sharply so far this year, assaults and violent crimes against officers are up from a year ago.