Collision and Controversy: Unpacking the St. Louis Police Crash at Bar:PM and Its Aftermath

On a seemingly ordinary night in December, a familiar landmark on St. Louis's South Broadway, Bar:PM, was thrust into an unexpected and unsettling spotlight. This well-known LGBTQ+ establishment, a cherished haven for its community, became the scene of a jarring incident when a St.

Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) vehicle crashed directly into its storefront. What followed was not just a story of property damage, but a complex narrative involving immediate arrests, conflicting accounts, legal battles, and an outpouring of community solidarity that continues to resonate across the city.

The incident, which occurred on December 18th, sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, raising critical questions about police conduct, accountability, and the delicate relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

This wasn't merely an accident; it swiftly escalated into a contentious event that highlighted underlying tensions and galvanized a determined response from those who call Bar:PM home.

The Night Chaos Erupted: A Crash, Arrests, and Confusion

The quiet evening of December 18, 2023, was shattered for James Pence and Chad Morris, co-owners of Bar:PM, who reside above their establishment.

Awakened by a thunderous crash, they quickly descended to discover an SLMPD cruiser embedded in the front of their building. An alarming sight, to be sure, but what unfolded next deepened their distress and ignited a firestorm of controversy.

Pence, reportedly the first on the scene, found himself handcuffed.

Soon after, Morris arrived, seeking answers about his husband's predicament and the bizarre circumstances. According to their attorney, Maurice Khazaeli, officers allegedly began yelling at Morris. The situation reportedly escalated when Morris attempted to leave the scene via an alley, only to be grabbed and, as claimed by his legal representation, physically beaten by officers off-camera.

Police, however, presented a different account, alleging that Morris confronted an officer, hurled obscenities, shoved him in the chest, and then resisted arrest by running through a gate and pushing a trash can. This stark divergence in narratives laid the groundwork for a contentious legal battle and a public outcry.

"When they asked what happened, to be treated this way...

it's just unimaginable."

The Officer's Explanation: A Dog in the Road?

Initial reports from the scene indicated that the police SUV, driven by one of two rookie officers, lost control. Residents nearby, including James Pence himself, reported that the officer driving the vehicle claimed to have swerved to avoid hitting a dog in the roadway.

While an explanation was offered, the immediate and forceful arrests of the bar's owners, coupled with later revelations, only added layers of skepticism to the official narrative.

A Cloud of Controversy: Unanswered Questions and Damning Evidence

The immediate aftermath of the crash and arrests was quickly overshadowed by a series of revelations that brought the conduct of the SLMPD under intense scrutiny.

Key among these were conflicting video evidence and the surprising omission of a standard police procedure.

The Missing Alcohol Test: A Critical Oversight?

Perhaps one of the most contentious points of the entire incident was the police department's decision not to administer an alcohol test (colloquially known as a Breathalyzer) to the officer driving the crashed cruiser.

Attorney Khazaeli highlighted this omission, stating that police confirmed no such test was conducted because his colleagues determined he was not impaired. This decision drew sharp criticism, particularly given the severity of the crash and the immediate arrests of the property owners.

Why, many asked, was a standard protocol for such an incident not followed?

Video Discrepancies: What Did the Cameras Capture?

Adding fuel to the controversy, attorney Khazaeli presented evidence challenging the police's version of events. He showed reporters parts of a bystander video that, crucially, did not capture any confrontation resembling the one described by police that led to Morris's arrest.

Furthermore, Khazaeli later posted a video on social media showing the police cruiser running a red light shortly before it crashed into Bar:PM. This footage directly contradicted the narrative of a simple swerving maneuver and painted a picture of reckless driving leading up to the incident.

Such disparities between official statements and documented evidence fueled public mistrust and cries for independent investigation.

The Legal Labyrinth: Charges, Reductions, and the Fight for Justice

Chad Morris initially faced serious charges: third-degree assault on a special victim, a felony, along with resisting arrest.

This move struck many as disproportionate, especially given the circumstances surrounding the crash and the conflicting accounts of his actions.

Through the persistent efforts of his legal counsel and public pressure, the charges against Morris were eventually amended.

On Tuesday following the incident, prosecutors agreed to release Morris on his own recognizance and reduced the felony assault charge to a misdemeanor. The charges were downgraded to fourth-degree assault and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors. While a partial victory, the fact that charges were filed at all, and the initial severity, remained a point of contention for Morris, Pence, their supporters, and civil rights advocates.

The case continues to highlight broader issues of police accountability and the need for independent oversight, with calls from various community leaders, including the alderwoman representing the ward where Bar:PM is located, for an outside agency to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Solidarity in St.

Louis: A Community Rises to Rebuild

Amidst the chaos and legal wrangling, the story of the Bar:PM incident became a powerful testament to community resilience and solidarity. Almost immediately after the crash, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in St.

Louis rallied to support Bar:PM.

Zach Gandy, a St. Louis resident whose group, the Rudis Leather Society, frequently visits Bar:PM, exemplifies this spirit. Upon hearing the news from bar employees, Gandy quickly mobilized approximately a dozen volunteers.

Their mission? To help clean up the damaged bar and prepare it for reopening. The front windows, completely destroyed, were temporarily boarded up for safety, but the spirit of the community remained unbroken.

This rapid, grassroots response underscored the vital role Bar:PM plays as more than just a business; it is a cultural cornerstone, a safe space, and a hub for connection within the St.

Louis LGBTQ+ community. The outpouring of support served as a powerful counter-narrative to the initial trauma, showcasing the strength found in unity and shared purpose.

Wider Ramifications: Trust, Transparency, and the LGBTQ+ Community

The St.

Louis Bar:PM incident transcends a mere car crash; it spotlights crucial conversations about trust between law enforcement and marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ population. Historically, the relationship between LGBTQ+ individuals and police has often been fraught, marked by periods of harassment and discrimination.

Incidents like the Bar:PM crash, especially when coupled with questionable police conduct and conflicting reports, can exacerbate existing fears and erode progress made in fostering more positive relationships.

The St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones acknowledged the incident and the ongoing investigation, signaling the city's awareness of the public's concerns.

However, for many, the path to rebuilding trust requires more than just investigations; it demands transparent communication, demonstrable accountability for actions, and a clear commitment to justice for all citizens, regardless of their background or identity.

The Path Ahead: Reopening, Recovery, and the Pursuit of Accountability

While Bar:PM works tirelessly to repair the physical damage and reopen its doors, the legal and ethical questions surrounding the December 18th incident persist.

Chad Morris still faces a misdemeanor charge, and the larger narrative of police accountability in St. Louis remains a topic of intense public interest.

The Bar:PM incident serves as a poignant reminder that while physical structures can be rebuilt, the intangible foundations of trust and justice require continuous vigilance and courageous advocacy.

The resilience shown by the St. Louis community, combined with ongoing calls for transparency and accountability, ensures that the story of Bar:PM will remain a significant chapter in the city's ongoing dialogue about community, safety, and equitable law enforcement.