ST. LOUIS — A 9-year-old and a 16-year-old were shot and injured near Fairground Park in St. Louis Monday afternoon.
The shooting happened on the 4000 block of Palm Street at around 4 p.m. Sergeant Charles Wall with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the children were both conscious and breathing when officers arrived.
According to a Tuesday morning update from the department, the 16-year-old told police the suspects fired the shots in his direction. The 9-year-old was playing outside and was also struck in the process.
No witnesses at the scene would cooperate with the investigation, police said. Police do not have a description of the suspects.
They were both taken to an area hospital for treatment. Police on scene told 5 On Your Side both children are stable.
5 On Your Side spent hours checking in with this neighborhood after this tragedy. One woman said after 30 years here, all she's ever known is peace.
"If you're out you might get hit with a bullet or gunshots," Vanita McClendon, a nearby resident, said after police cleared the scene.
McClendon said these days she's taught her own grandchildren gun safety. Gun safety is extra defense that could save a life.
"They know when they hear gunshots, they get down," she said. "We practice safety in the house."
The people of Palm Street said it's a peaceful place, filled with children coming home from school and growing families.
McClendon said it's why news of a 9-year-old and 16-year-old both getting shot was too shocking to take in.
McClendon said everyone should be ready for something like this to happen, not just police.
While McClendon wants more police as a start, there's more change she wants beyond what meets the eye.
"[I want to] see more of the community coming together," she said.
Police have not provided any other information.
This breaking news story will be updated when more information becomes available.
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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.