MT. VERNON, IL — A 55-year-old man accused of robbing a Mt. Vernon gas station last month and then shooting at a Mt. Vernon police officer as he fled on foot is expected to be released soon from a St. Louis area hospital where he’s been treated for a gunshot wound suffered in the incident. Fredrick Goss, of Mt. Vernon has formally been charged in Jefferson County Court with two Class X felonies for armed robbery and aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer. He’s appeared in court through Zoom where he was advised of the charges against him, and the possible penalties if convicted.

According to court records, Goss would not respond to the court’s questions, was disrespectful and said he has no contact with family to make any decisions about an attorney. He then commented that the court could do whatever it wanted to do because he is going to sue the court system. He was appointed an attorney and during an arraignment hearing a few days later Goss pleaded not guilty. Despite his attorney’s objection that day, a prosecution motion for a DNA test was granted and a pre-trial hearing was scheduled for September 8.

According to ISP, in the early morning hours of June 2, Mt. Vernon police officers responded to a call of an armed robbery at a gas station in the 1800 block of South 10th Street in Mt. Vernon. A responding MVPD officer reportedly encountered an individual who matched the description of the suspect involved in the armed robbery. As the MVPD officer approached the male suspect, identified as Goss, he fled on foot with the officer in pursuit.
During the foot chase, gunfire was exchanged between Goss and the MVPD officer. Goss was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The MVPD officer was uninjured. A firearm was recovered at the scene along with evidence relating to the armed robbery.

Goss has remained hospitalized since then while receiving treatment for his injuries. At the time of the incident, Goss was on supervised release with the United States Probation Office Southern District of Illinois for a previous conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.