St. Louis Police Officer Indicted on First-Degree Assault Charges in Soulard Shooting

A St. Louis police officer has been indicted on a first-degree assault charge in connection with the shooting of an unarmed man following a vehicle pursuit in Soulard last October. Officer Lucas Badock, whose name has been withheld until now, faces a serious felony charge stemming from the October 2022 incident that left a man wounded.

The dramatic development in this case comes after a grand jury review initiated by Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s office.

According to the indictment, Officer Badock allegedly shot the victim after the man exited a truck following a chase through the historic Soulard neighborhood. Crucially, investigators found no weapon on the victim, challenging Badock's claim that the man had reached for his waistband.

The incident unfolded on October 25, 2022, when police attempted to stop a truck in Soulard.

Following a brief pursuit, the driver eventually pulled over. As the man exited the vehicle, Officer Badock discharged his firearm, striking him. The victim's name has not been released publicly, but he survived the shooting.

Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, in a statement, reiterated her office's commitment to holding all individuals accountable under the law, regardless of their profession.

“My office has a responsibility to the citizens of St. Louis to ensure justice is served, and that includes when an officer is accused of a crime,” Gardner stated, emphasizing the pursuit of justice for the victim.

Following the shooting, Officer Badock was initially relieved of duty and subsequently placed on unpaid leave by the St.

Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Police Chief Robert Tracy addressed the indictment, stating the department respects the legal process and is committed to upholding the law. “We will cooperate fully with the Circuit Attorney's office as this case moves forward,” Tracy affirmed, underscoring the department's adherence to due process.

This indictment adds to a series of high-profile cases brought by Gardner's office against St.

Louis police officers, often sparking intense debate about police conduct and accountability within the community. While these cases have sometimes been met with controversy, Gardner’s office maintains its focus on impartial application of justice. The first-degree assault charge carries significant implications for Badock, marking a critical moment in the ongoing discourse around law enforcement actions and public trust in St.

Louis.