ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Police are investigating a shooting that happened near a high school.
It happened Tuesday afternoon near Confluence Preparatory Academy in Downtown West.
A police source told 5 On Your Side's Christine Byers that a 20-year-old woman confronted three teenage girls, a 17-year-old student, a 16-year-old, and a 14-year-old during school dismissal. A spokesperson with Confluence Academy said there "appeared to be a conversation" between two students in front of the school and two women in a car.
A video posted on social media showed a confrontation between people near a ramp students take to access the school buses.
As school security was escorting the woman back onto the sidewalk, she pulled out a gun and shot at the trio.
None of the victims were struck. Police then said the 20-year-old's gun went off as she was tackled by school officials.
The school was placed on a soft lockdown as a precaution.
Security detained the suspect, and she was taken away by police.
The shooting stemmed from a prior argument, officials said.
Police have applied for warrants.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
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.
