A 17-year-old boy is in critical condition at the hospital after being shot in the chest late Saturday evening. The incident took place in the 800 block of Bates Street in the Soulard neighborhood around 10 p.m.
Upon arrival at the scene, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department found the victim and administered first aid until EMS arrived. It was reported that a large party was being held at a short-term rental property where the shooting occurred. Both inside and outside the property, several shell casings were discovered.
Although some juveniles present at the scene were spoken to by officers, most of them were uncooperative. Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact them at 314-444-2500. Anonymous tipsters can also reach out to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477 to provide information while remaining anonymous or potentially receive a cash reward.
It is crucial for the community to come together and assist law enforcement in solving this case to ensure the safety of everyone in the neighborhood. Gun violence is a serious issue that affects individuals of all ages, and it is important to work towards preventing such incidents from happening in the future.
In light of this unfortunate event, it is essential for residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or behaviors to the authorities promptly. By staying informed and involved in the community, we can work towards creating a safer environment for everyone, especially our youth.
Let us all stand united against violence and strive to make our neighborhoods secure and peaceful places to live. Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time, and we hope for a speedy recovery for the young individual who was injured in this senseless act of violence.