ST. LOUIS — Police said an 11-year-old boy pistol whipped a man his mother was carjacking at 9:40 p.m. Tuesday.
The 48-year-old victim told police the woman and her son approached him while he was pumping gas into his 2017 Nissan Rogue near Grand Avenue and Osceola Street. The woman told the victim she needed a ride for her and her son to her mother's house in the 4200 block of Page Boulevard.
The victim agreed, and when they arrived at the destination, the victim told police the woman grabbed his keys from the ignition and the 11-year-old began striking him in the head with a revolver.
The victim told police the woman then dragged him out of his car, got into the driver's seat and fled westbound along Page Boulevard.
Police said the victim was treated at the scene.
“It’s just so sad to hear something like this. It leaves a bad taste and stain on our ward,” said Fourth Ward St. Louis Alderwoman Dwinderlin Evans.
Dr. Muthoni Musangali, who teaches Mental Health Counseling at Webster University, said the news is concerning for the child's future.
“I just think this puts him on a wrong path," Dr. Musangali said. "Desensitization to violence at such a young age, it means the young boy may be more likely to engage in violence, aggressive behavior or even criminal activity in the future. That’s what worries me.”
Police have not released any additional information about the incident.
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/
The Crime Victim Center is a St. Louis-based organization that works to empower victims by offering resources, counseling, advocacy and referrals throughout the greater St. Louis area.
To learn more, visit https://www.supportvictims.org/