JEFFERSON COUNTY (First Alert 4) -- A local law enforcement officer has been disciplined by the state, more than seven years after mistaking her gun for a taser and shooting someone in the back. The officer has been working for a different department since 2022.

Julia Crews was working for the Ladue Police Department in 2019 when she responded to a call for shoplifting at a Schnucks. After speaking with suspect Ashley Fountain for several minutes, Fountain ran away.

Crews chased after her and fired a gunshot into Fountain's back, later telling investigators she thought she was using her taser.

Now, public documents show Crews agreed to have her license put on probation to settle a complaint against her filed by the Missouri Department of Public Safety in 2024. It's unclear how long she will be on probation.

Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said in a statement that Crews has  done an exceptional job in her current role.  He added that  We support the Director's decision and believe the discipline is appropriate considering all the circumstances. Julia continues to be a valued employee as a Bailiff assigned to the courthouse. 

It's also unclear why the state waited more than five years after the 2019 incident to file a complaint for discipline. Crews was initially charged with assault after the shooting, but the charges were dismissed in 2021 through a process called restorative justice in lieu of prosecution.

Crews left the Ladue Police Department after the shooting. Then, in 2022, she began working as a deputy sheriff at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Last year, Fountain told First Alert 4 Investigates that Crews previously told her she did not want to be a law enforcement officer again.

 I kind of feel angry,  Fountain said in 2025.  I kind of feel upset about that. 

Marshak said in a statement last year that Crews' previous mistake was something she learned from, and that she deserved a second chance. Under her probation period, she is still allowed to work as a deputy there.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety last month filed notice with the state's discipli

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