On January 29, 2022, 31-year-old William Ownes Jr. was shot and killed during a robbery in a nightclub parking lot in Saint Louis, Missouri. A security guard at the establishment opened fire; Ownes was struck in the head and died at the scene. Police reportedly found stolen jewelry and glasses on Ownes, linking him to the robbery. Another person hurt in the robbery sustained a leg injury but survived.

About 12 hours later officers spotted a vehicle believed to be the robbery getaway car and pursued it into Ferguson. After a crash, occupants fled on foot and an exchange of gunfire with police followed. Two officers were wounded, one critically with an abdominal gunshot and another shot in the leg. Twenty-three-year-old Equan Hopson was killed in the shootout; two other men were apprehended after a short chase.

Charges were filed against the two surviving suspects: 23-year-old August Burns was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest, and 35-year-old Clyde Thomas was charged with resisting arrest. If anyone witnessed the robbery, the subsequent pursuit, or has information about either incident, please share what is known.