Knife-Wielding Suspect Fatally Shot by Police in St. Louis, Residents Spill Into the Streets

Police reportedly shot and killed a knife-wielding suspect in St. Louis on Tuesday after an attempted robbery at a local convenience store.

The suspected robber got into an argument with the owner of the store, KTVI-TV reports.

Police responded to the incident and ordered the man to put down his knife, but officials say he refused. Instead, they claim the man tried to attack, causing police to fatally shoot the suspect.

St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson said his officers feared for their safety and took appropriate action to neutralize the threat.

Officers gave suspect verbal commands. Officers feared for their safety and both officers fired their weapons. Suspect is deceased.

— Chief Sam Dotson (@ChiefSLMPD) August 19, 2014

Officers are on administrative duty per department policy. The investigation continues.

— Chief Sam Dotson (@ChiefSLMPD) August 19, 2014

People gathered around the crime scene in St. Louis, reminiscent of the images immediately following the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in the nearby suburb of Ferguson.

More coverage from KTVI-TV:

Despite witnesses saying the suspect charged at cops with a knife and reportedly said "shoot me now," demonstrators were heard chanting "Hands up, don't shoot" at the crime scene.

Crowd chanting hands up don't shoot. @FOX2now pic.twitter.com/lGGt472Z2L

— George Sells (@GeorgeSells) August 19, 2014

Police Chief Dotson gives the community an update on the situation. https://t.co/fr95OJhEJm

— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench)

August 19, 2014

.@ChiefSLMPD says both officers fired weapons, “feared for their safety” around man armed with knife: https://t.co/Yt0YbGFX8r #Ferguson

— Eli Yokley (@eyokley) August 19, 2014

St. Louis Alderman Antonio French shot video of the protests going on in St. Louis on Tuesday:

Protesting in Clayton https://t.co/93sCv6bF0I

— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) August 19, 2014

Protesting in Clayton https://t.co/0UnZu00LIK

— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) August 19, 2014

Protests in Clayton https://t.co/HJKjMdKSva

— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) August 19, 2014