Public’s help sought in shooting of Ballwin cop known as ‘centerpiece of our department’

Authorities have released the identity of a Ballwin, Mo., police officer who was shot Friday during a traffic stop.

The officer, Michael Flamion has worked in Ballwin for two years. Before that he worked for the DeSoto Police Department for seven years.

Ballwin Police Chief Kevin Scott said Flamion’s “sense of humor and professional demeanor make him a centerpiece of our department. Mike is an outstanding officer whom the citizens of Ballwin should be proud to call their own.”

Police in Missouri are asking for help from anyone who witnessed the officer being shot.

St. Louis County police spokesman Officer Benjamin Granda said Saturday in an email that investigators believe several people were “driving or running” nearby when the Ballwin officer was shot during a traffic stop Friday. He asks that witnesses call the department.

County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch says the officer was “ambushed” during a traffic stop when he was shot at least once from behind.

Granda also says the officer remained in critical condition Saturday.

A GoFundMe account has been established for the officer and the officer’s family.

Thirty-one-year-old Antonio Taylor is in custody and charged with assault of a police officer, armed criminal action and being a felon in possession of a firearm. It was unclear if he has a lawyer.

This story was originally published July 9, 2016 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Public’s help sought in shooting of Ballwin cop known as ‘centerpiece of our department’."