Wednesday evening, Washington University junior Drew Batson was stabbed multiple times in his 6633 Kingsbury Avenue apartment by Eloy Vega, age 20, a resident of the 8300 block of Madison Avenue in St. Louis, according to the University City Police Department (UCPD).
Batson’s injuries were not life-threatening. He was admitted to an area hospital and released late Wednesday evening.
Vega fled the scene upon stabbing Batson and was tracked down by UCPD officers after a short car chase in which he was shot in the leg by UCPD officer Daniel Becker. Becker has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation of the shooting.
Vega was admitted to 6633 Kingsbury, 3 East, at about 9:05 p.m. by Batson, who knew Vega through another individual who had once resided in Batson’s apartment with him. After he had been in the apartment for a few minutes, Vega pulled a kitchen knife on Batson, demanding money from him.
Batson suffered multiple stab wounds during a struggle over the knife. Vega then fled the apartment, taking a small sum of money and Batson’s car keys with him.
Vega attempted to flee the scene in Batson’s 1998 Honda Accord, driving east in the north alley of Kingsbury, behind Batson’s apartment. Vega, driving the Honda without the headlights turned on, crashed headlong into the patrol car of UCPD officer Michael Heofle, who had turned into the Kingsbury alley.
Hoefle was not seriously injured in the crash, and was sent to an area hospital and released.
Vega reversed the car, then made a u-turn in the alley, heading west. He exited the alley at Kingsland Avenue, hitting two parked vehicles upon turning north onto Kingsland. Proceeding on Kingsland, his path was blocked by the UCPD patrol car of Daniel Becker. Vega attempted to back away from the UCPD car, striking two other parked cars.
At this point, Becker emerged from his patrol car and ran towards Vega’s vehicle, ordering him to exit the Honda. Vega then accelerated, turning the vehicle towards Becker.
In response, Becker shot one round of ammunition through the door of the Honda while he jumped out of the way of the car. Vega was wounded in the leg.
Vega still managed to flee the scene, but crashed into the wall across from the University City Post Office on the corner of Kingsland and Delmar. Vega then exited the car and was chased down by police after a brief footrace with other responding UCPD officers.
Vega was treated for his gunshot wound and released to police custody. He has been charged with first degree robbery, first degree assault, two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, four counts of armed criminal action, stealing a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. His bail has been set at $1,000,000 cash.
Vega had previously been arrested for multiple minor offenses dating back to 1999.

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