J-KWON - GUNSHOTS FIRED DURING J-KWON VIDEO SHOOT

Panic struck the set where teen rapper J-KWON was making his latest video in his Missouri hometown yesterday (27APR04), when four gunshots struck a police van.

Investigators hope the videotape helps identify suspects at the incident, which occurred shortly after 4pm while the promo was being filmed at a St Louis liquor store and vacant lot. No injuries were reported.

Hundreds of fans had gathered to watch the filming and had caused traffic jams, so extra police had been drafted in to control the crowds.

Police chief JOE MOKWA says he does not believe the shots fired from a passing vehicle targeted any of his officers.

The apparently unoccupied van may have been hit by "some erratic rounds", Mokwa adds.

The crowd scattered after the shots rang out.

J-Kwon, real name JERRELL JONES, says the gunshots were not part of the video or fired by anyone with his crew.

A representative of the 18-year-old TIPSY rapper says his team will cooperate with the investigation.