ST. LOUIS — Five people were wounded during an early Sunday morning shooting in St. Louis's Downtown West neighborhood, according to police.
The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. near North 19th Street and Washington Avenue.
Two women, ages 35 and 22, and three men, ages 33, 27, and 26, were injured. The 35-year-old woman was shot in the leg. The other victims had injuries, potentially from bullet fragments, police said.
Police said an off-duty St. Louis Metropolitan police officer was working as a security officer when he heard gunfire. People were running toward him and learned of the injuries.
The woman who had a gunshot wound, the 22-year-old woman, and the 26-year-old man were taken to the hospital. The other victims were treated at the scene.
Maurice Mosley's shop, Paradise Salon, has been called St. Louis's Downtown West neighborhood for nearly two decades, so crime on his street didn't come as a shock.
"Overnight I heard there was a shooting, but it always happens like that. They ride around and look for trouble to get in," he said.
Despite the crime surrounding his business, Mosley said he would never leave the area, since it's not only happening in his neighborhood.
"It's everywhere. They're in cars, they're out in the county, they're everywhere. You just got to be cautious," he said.
Unfortunately for Mosley, he believes the problem has only gotten worse.
"It's just so much anger with these young folks now, anger and mad and blaming everybody for their missed comings, for their shortcomings. These kids are raising themselves," he said.
While the list of what Mosley would change downtown is long.
"Oh God, so much, so much. It would take all day for me to tell you what I think," he said.
Mosley still sees the silver lining in the place he calls home.
"I don't want to give up. I don't think it's hopeless but keep trying, please," he said.
Police said anyone with information should call (314) 444-2500.
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.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
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 the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
The Bullet Related Injury Clinic (BRIC) is a community-based clinic in St. Louis that helps people heal after they have been injured by a bullet. The BRIC was established to help people who are discharged home from the emergency department after being shot.