ST. LOUIS — A 19-year-old man was taken into custody after a carjacking and police chase in St. Louis early Tuesday morning.
At around 12:30 a.m., St. Louis police were called to the 1000 block of Geyer Avenue for a report of a “hold up.” The victim told officers she was in the area when a car pulled up next to her. She said two people got out of the car and pointed a gun at her, pushed her against her car and took her keys.
The suspects drove away in the victim’s car, a 2011 Kia Optima.
St. Louis police found the victim’s car in the 900 block of South Broadway Street at a gas station. One of the suspects was pumping gas.
After pumping gas, the suspects got onto Interstate 64 and headed into Illinois. East St. Louis police pursued the suspects back into St. Louis City where they abandoned the car at South Jefferson Avenue.
Officers were able to take one of the suspects into custody. Police believe at least one other person is still on the loose.
No other information about the incident has been released.
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.