ST. LOUIS — A 16-year-old boy was shot while running away from a suspect after a car crash late Friday night.
The victims, a 16-year-old boy and 12-year-old boy, told St. Louis police they had crashed their car shortly before 11:40 p.m. Friday in the 3000 block of Franklin Avenue when a man pulled in front of their crashed vehicle in a silver sedan and aimed a handgun at them.
Police said the victims ran to an apartment building when they heard gunshots. The 16-year-old boy then was shot in right leg. EMS transported him to a hospital, where he was listed with stable vital signs.
The 12-year-old was not injured in the shooting, police said. However, he did suffer a "minor abrasion" to his face after falling while running away.
St. Louis police are still investigating the shooting. It was not clear if the suspect had been involved in the car crash before the shooting or if the shooting was an unrelated incident.
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update information as it is confirmed.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to "stabilize inner-city neighborhoods." One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with St. Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.
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