(KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
The search for the teen that allegedly shot a Berkeley police officer last Wednesday is over. Police are crediting the father of some of the teen's classmates with convincing the 16 year old to give himself up. Devante Thomas, 16, surrendered peacefully at the Justice Center in Clayton about two Monday afternoon. A witness tells us when he was handcuffed, he started to cry.Thomas was then handed over to juvenile authorities and he remains in juvenile custody.
"Today is a good day," said Berkeley Police Chief Frank McCall, Junior reacting to Thomas' arrest.
The 16 year old is accused of shooting Berkeley officer Donald Schultz three times last Wednesday in the Washington Park Cemetery on Natural Bridge Road.
"A breath of relief that there was no other lives put in jeopardy," explained McCall.
Investigators say Thomas showed up at the University City home of some of his classmates Sunday. Thomas helped move furniture for the father of his friends then left. We're told that father then watched the news and recognized Thomas. Thomas returned to the home Monday and that's when the parents started asking questions.
"They got their heads together and said hey I think this is this young man police are looking for and their children said by the way yes it is and he's downstairs," said Lieutenant Tom Larkin with the St. Louis County Police Department.
Authorities say the classmate's father then convinced Thomas to turn himself in and actually came with Thomas to the Justice Center.
"This man just took a personal interest and tried do the right thing," said Larkin.
Residents who live in the Madelaine Manor Apartments are among those relieved. The first shots Thomas allegedly fired happened right in front of the apartments.Residents like Aronda Harbour had been worried with Thomas still on the loose.
"I still was looking out the doors and was aware of my surroundings as I was approaching home and stuff," explained Harbour.
She is now praying for everyone involved.
"It's all in God's hands. I just pray for both of them, their family and the cop's family as well," explained Harbour.
Chief McCall says the 28 year old Officer Schultz is still hospitalized but continues to improve. McCall tells us Schultz was told of Thomas' arrest. Officials say the couple who recognized Thomas is eligible for the five thousand dollar reward that the FBI was offering for his capture.
We're told that father who was with Thomas when he surrendered told him to do the right thing. At this point, police say they don't know where Thomas had been prior to Sunday.
It's also unclear whether Thomas will be certified as an adult. Authorities say that decision could be months away. We asked Berkeley Chief McCall if he wanted to see Thomas tried as an adult. He did not give a definitive answer, but did say Thomas committed an adult crime. When he was at large, authorities were seeking Thomas on first degree assault charges.
"Today is a good day," said Berkeley Police Chief Frank McCall, Junior reacting to Thomas' arrest.
The 16 year old is accused of shooting Berkeley officer Donald Schultz three times last Wednesday in the Washington Park Cemetery on Natural Bridge Road.
"A breath of relief that there was no other lives put in jeopardy," explained McCall.
Investigators say Thomas showed up at the University City home of some of his classmates Sunday. Thomas helped move furniture for the father of his friends then left. We're told that father then watched the news and recognized Thomas. Thomas returned to the home Monday and that's when the parents started asking questions.
"They got their heads together and said hey I think this is this young man police are looking for and their children said by the way yes it is and he's downstairs," said Lieutenant Tom Larkin with the St. Louis County Police Department.
Authorities say the classmate's father then convinced Thomas to turn himself in and actually came with Thomas to the Justice Center.
"This man just took a personal interest and tried do the right thing," said Larkin.
Residents who live in the Madelaine Manor Apartments are among those relieved. The first shots Thomas allegedly fired happened right in front of the apartments.Residents like Aronda Harbour had been worried with Thomas still on the loose.
"I still was looking out the doors and was aware of my surroundings as I was approaching home and stuff," explained Harbour.
She is now praying for everyone involved.
"It's all in God's hands. I just pray for both of them, their family and the cop's family as well," explained Harbour.
Chief McCall says the 28 year old Officer Schultz is still hospitalized but continues to improve. McCall tells us Schultz was told of Thomas' arrest. Officials say the couple who recognized Thomas is eligible for the five thousand dollar reward that the FBI was offering for his capture.
We're told that father who was with Thomas when he surrendered told him to do the right thing. At this point, police say they don't know where Thomas had been prior to Sunday.
It's also unclear whether Thomas will be certified as an adult. Authorities say that decision could be months away. We asked Berkeley Chief McCall if he wanted to see Thomas tried as an adult. He did not give a definitive answer, but did say Thomas committed an adult crime. When he was at large, authorities were seeking Thomas on first degree assault charges.
