Editor’s note: The deceased has since been identified as Ryan Woods, 40, of the 200 block of Tapestry Drive. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the officer’s gunfire struck Woods, resulting in his death; it was previously unknown whether Woods’ injuries were self-inflicted or a result of police gunfire.
Ryan Woods — who barricaded himself inside an Oakville home on Sept. 15, causing residents of the neighborhood to evacuate — has since been pronounced deceased, police say.
According to the report, officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service for a welfare check in the 200 block of Tapestry Drive on Tuesday at approximately 2:14 p.m. Once officers arrived at the scene, the subject, Woods, fired shots from inside the residence. Officers established containment and requested the St. Louis County Police Tactical Operations Unit and Crisis Negotiator to respond. Woods fired numerous rounds from inside the residence at adjacent homes and in the direction of the officers while they waited for their backup.
When they arrived at the scene, St. Louis County Police Tactical Operations Unit officers made several attempts to contact Woods and gave multiple verbal commands via loudspeaker for the subject to exit the residence. Woods continued to fire his weapon; a St. Louis County Police Tactical Operations Unit officer also fired his weapon into the residence. The officer involved in this incident is 44 years old with 18 years of law enforcement experience.
Following numerous attempts to make contact with the subject, Tactical Operations Unit officers breached the door and entered the residence. Inside, they located the Woods suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.
No officers were physically injured during this incident.
This is an active investigation, and preliminary details could change. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident.
