ST. LOUIS — Police are working to identify a suspect who they said shot a KFC employee Monday evening after being told the business was out of corn.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting happened at around 6:30 p.m. at the KFC restaurant on 5020 Delmar Blvd.
Officers responded to a local hospital, where the 25-year-old employee had been privately driven after being shot in the abdomen. The man was unable to be interviewed due to his injuries.
The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect, a man around 40 or 50 years of age, became angry in the drive-thru when employees told him they were out of corn. The suspect threatened employees through the speaker box and then later came up to the drive-thru window with a handgun.
One of the employees went outside and minutes later came back into the restaurant saying he had been shot, according to police. The suspect drove away.
Police said the victim was in critical condition and his vitals were stable as of Tuesday morning.
An investigation is underway.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
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.
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