The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a hit and run that is believed to have actually been a shooting homicide.
On Friday night at 10:40 p.m., the Washington Police Department responded to Bieker Rd. in reference to a possible hit and run accident. Upon arrival, it was determined that the accident was approximately one mile out of the Washington city limits. The caller reported seeing a subject lying along Bieker Rd. on the ground near a bicycle.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene along with the highway patrol and sheriff’s deputies. While tending to the victim, ambulance personnel noticed that the subject suffered from an apparent gunshot wound.
The victim had no identification, but was later identified as Michael Schoppenhorst, a white male, 45, from Leslie.
Schoppenhorst was transported to St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, Creve Coeur, where he passed from his injuries on Monday morning at 1:15 a.m.
Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke reported on Monday morning, June 22, that detectives have a suspect in custody on an unrelated charge. A weapon believed to have been used by the suspect has been recovered.
Information received by Union police directed investigators toward a reported theft of a weapon from a residence in Union. During their investigation, Union officers were informed of a possible connection between the weapon and now homicide.
“Further investigation and forensics are being conducted in the case. Results will be turned over to the prosecutor, Robert Parks, as soon as they are completed,” said Toelke. “An estimated time for submission of this information is not known at this time. The suspect is a white male, age 20, from Washington. The motive for the shooting is not being released at this time.”