ST. LOUIS — Two people have been charged in the robbery of a St. Louis Blues prospect and another woman at the Gateway Arch grounds on Monday.
On Thursday federal charges were filed against 19-year-old Christopher Franklin and 18-year-old Kaniya Sloan. The pair is accused of aiding and abetting a robbery on federal grounds.
A 20-year-old man, who is a prospect player in the St. Louis Blues organization, and a 22-year-old woman were walking near Walnut Street and Memorial Drive on the Arch grounds around 7:30 p.m. Monday. The victims were approached by a man who pointed a firearm at them and demanded their property, police said.
The victims turned over their phones, purse, wallet and car keys. The suspect ran away and the victims ran to the nearest person and asked them to call 911.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department worked with the Federal Park Service to review surveillance footage from the Arch grounds to identify the suspects.
Franklin, Sloan and a juvenile suspect were arrested on Sept. 15 in St. Louis.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story listed an incorrect gender for one of the suspects. This story has been updated.
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.
To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
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.”
To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership between and Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
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. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/
