ST. LOUIS — St. Louis police are investigating two carjackings that happened late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
5 On Your Side talked to the victims of the first one, who were on their first date. They said after they pulled into a parking lot at 13th and Russell in Soulard, four people wearing masks jumped out of a car and pulled out handguns.
The victims said the suspects got away with a new truck along with their cellphones, a purse and other belongings. One of the victims told police he believed the suspects were high school-age teenagers.
Numerous police officers responded and are investigating. At the scene, officers were looking at a gray Chevy. Witnesses said the suspects left that vehicle behind.
About two hours later, just after 2 a.m., there was another carjacking in south St. Louis.
It happened on January, near Sulphur, just off of Hampton. This is not far from the city’s Tilles Park. A handful of squad cars and police were at the scene and an ambulance responded as well. Officers interviewed a group of people while at the scene.
There is no word from St. Louis police regarding whether any suspects are in custody, or whether the two carjackings connected.
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 with 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/