ST. LOUIS — A suspect was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking Wednesday morning in the parking lot of a gas station and convenience store in St. Louis' Columbus Square neighborhood.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the investigation suggested the suspect was attempting to rob a 48-year-old gas station customer of his car at about 6 a.m. Wednesday at the Zoom Convenience Store, located at 1300 North Tucker Blvd., when the customer shot him.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the suspect suffering a gunshot wound to his chest in the 1100 block of O'Fallon Street. Police requested a homicide investigation after determining the suspect was not conscious or breathing after being shot.
Police have identified the suspect as a male in his 20s, but his name has not been released as of Wednesday afternoon.
St. Louis police say carjackings at gas stations are on the rise.
There have already been 21 carjackings across the city in 2023, which is similar to last year. Vehicle thefts are up 129% compared to 2022. SLMPD is posting flyers with information to keep drivers safer at the pump.
"We are having some of these incidents where people are pumping gas and people are coming up stealing vehicles or belongings out of vehicles," Captain Pierre Benoist said. "Be mindful of your surroundings. Take keyfobs with them while at the gas stations. There has been somewhat of a spike at gas stations city-wide"
Police are posting mobile surveillance cameras and K-9 units at gas stations across the city.
Anyone with information about Wednesday morning's attempted carjacking is urged to call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371, or anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
This is a breaking news story. 5 On Your Side will update it as 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.