ST. LOUIS — A man died Sunday afternoon after being shot in the city's Fountain Park neighborhood.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, a 51-year-old man was shot in the leg at about 3:35 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Crown Food Mart/Phillips 66 at 1451 North Kingshighway Blvd.
Police said the man, 51-year-old John Christmas of St. Louis, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigation showed an unknown suspect tried to steal a firearm from Christmas, and a struggle ensued, which caused the firearm to go off and strike the victim. The suspect then fled from the scene.
The Homicide Division assumed the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about the deadly shooting was asked to contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
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.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
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 the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
The Bullet Related Injury Clinic (BRIC) is a community-based clinic in St. Louis that helps people heal after they have been injured by a bullet. The BRIC was established to help people who are discharged from the emergency department after being shot.
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