ST. LOUIS — It was just after midnight Sunday when police were called to the area of Kingshighway Boulevard and St. Louis Avenue in north St. Louis. Officers said they found a 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to the hospital, but doctors couldn’t save him.
“I'm worried now," said Antjuan Gant, a north St. Louis resident.
Gant lives just blocks away from the shooting. 5 On Your Side met him filling up his tires at the Mobil gas station, where the news of the murder left him on edge, especially as a father.
“I don't feel safe and comfortable with my daughter catching a bus anymore ... She gets the Kingshighway bus to school every morning," he said.
People at the gas station told 5 On Your Side they were shaken knowing someone was shot and killed just down the street. As police work to find out who’s responsible, they’re urging anyone with information to come forward.
A worker at the convenience store said shooting started as a robbery at the corner. He said an argument broke out, and the 22-year-old victim tried to chase the suspect, but moments later, he was shot.
“These people had these senseless shootings for no reason over the pettiest things, you know, and we got bigger things to worry about with inflation and … groceries and bills and stuff. You guys are just trying to kill each other for what reason. We should be working with each other," said Gant.
This tragedy is part of a troubling pattern. St. Louis police have been investigating a surge of crimes at gas stations. Police said last week they’ve reported more than a dozen cases of theft at gas stations. Many incidents happen in seconds, often while people pump gas or run inside the station.
For Gant, the message to his community is simple.
"Your life's not worth items, you know, if they ask you for it, you know, give it to them," he said. "Don't fight over no phone, no wallet, things you can get back in life, you know, you can't get your life back. You only got one chance to live and we got to live it the best way we can.”
Police have yet to release details on any suspects in this case, as Gant holds onto hope and prays for a safer future for his family and his community.
Anyone with information was urged to call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371. To remain anonymous and possibly receive a reward, 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.