A 23 year-old man who reportedly said “shoot me, kill me now,’’ has died as the result of an officer-involved shooting approximately four miles from Ferguson, Mo, according to multiple news reports.

According to NBC St. Louis affiliate KSDK:

“St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson says the suspect pulled a knife on officers. No officers were injured. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, which is located approximately four miles from the unrest in Ferguson.’’

KDSK said that the man entered a convenience store and walked out with two energy drinks, refusing to stop. He then came back, this time taking pastries without paying.

He started acting “erratically and pacing,’’ KDSK reported.

According to the AP, after the police arrived the man said “shoot me, kill me now,’’ St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson said.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch said:

“About 150 bystanders were milling about the area, and some were chanting “hands up, don’t shoot,’’ a common refrain at the Ferguson shooting protests.’’


KMOV, a St. Louis CBS-affiliate, reported that after being asked if the shooting was warranted, Dotson said officers “have a right to defend yourself.’’

We will update this story as more information becomes available.