Tragedy in St. Louis: 27-Year-Old DeAndre Collins Fatally Shot by Police After Reaching Into Bag During Pursuit
ST. LOUIS, MO — June 22, 2025 — A tragic confrontation in the early morning hours has left 27-year-old DeAndre Collins dead following a police pursuit that ended in gunfire. Authorities say Collins, a suspect in an earlier shooting, refused to comply with officers’ commands and reached into a bag—prompting two detectives to open fire, fatally striking him.
The chain of events began just after 2:00 a.m. on Sunday when officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 4100 block of Manchester Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult male who had sustained gunshot wounds. That individual was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
As the investigation into the initial shooting got underway, witnesses provided police with a description of a suspect seen fleeing the area on a moped. A nearby officer located the suspect—later identified as Collins—riding near Manchester and Sarah Avenue. When the officer attempted to stop him, Collins allegedly refused to pull over, triggering a brief chase through city streets.
Detectives with the Drug Enforcement & Intervention Unit joined the pursuit, which concluded in a vacant lot in the 3900 block of Clayton Avenue. According to police, Collins exited the moped and began to flee on foot. Despite repeated commands to stop, he reached into a bag slung across his body.
Fearing he was retrieving a weapon, two detectives fired their service weapons, striking Collins. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A firearm was recovered nearby.
“This is not the outcome anyone hopes for,” a department spokesperson stated Sunday morning. “But when someone fails to follow commands and makes a move that appears to be a deadly threat, officers have to make a split-second decision to protect themselves and others.”
The two detectives involved in the shooting have 14 and 7 years of service, respectively. Both have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway—a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
The Force Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry into the fatal incident. Investigators will review all available evidence, including witness statements, forensic analysis, and any relevant video footage, to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified.
As news of the shooting spread, the community has been left grappling with sorrow, frustration, and questions about how such tragic events continue to unfold.
“This didn’t have to end like this,” said one local resident who lives near the scene. “It’s heartbreaking—for his family, for the community, and even for the officers involved. Nobody wins.”
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the initial shooting that left another man injured, nor have they confirmed Collins’ connection to that incident beyond stating he was considered a suspect.
Anyone with information related to either shooting is urged to contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department or leave an anonymous tip with CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS.
As this tragedy continues to ripple through the community, city leaders and residents alike are once again calling for reflection, reform, and renewed efforts to address the violence plaguing St. Louis neighborhoods.