ST. LOUIS – Nathan Spiess, a St. Louis police officer struck by a vehicle last Monday on Interstate 70 while attempting to arrest a suspected car thief, is being released from the hospital.
A police escort is underway, with firetrucks also honoring him by displaying an American flag on the Tamm Avenue overpass near Interstate 64.
The escort will proceed west from the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and then onto South Kings Highway. During the escort, a large American flag will be displayed on the Tamm Avenue overpass on I-64.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department asks for onlookers to remain out of the street during this process.
Officials say that both directions on South Kingshighway from the hospital will be temporarily closed, but it will reopen once the escort reaches westbound I-64.
On March 17, Spiess was struck by a car while attempting to arrest a teenage carjacking suspect.
The incident resulted in the amputation of the lower part of one of Spiess’ legs. He has undergone three surgeries since the accident.
Authorities report that Spiess was holding a 15-year-old carjacking suspect at gunpoint after a chase when both were hit by a vehicle allegedly driven by Frank Carr. Investigators say Carr fled the scene but was later apprehended and is facing charges. He is due in court on Wednesday.