ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An investigation is underway after a shooting and crash along Interstate 55 in south St. Louis County early Wednesday morning.
The incident happened in the southbound lanes of I-55 near Interstate 270.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, one person was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. Both victims suffered gunshot wounds.
The highway patrol spokesman said the incident started as a fight between a cab driver and a passenger. The driver stopped the car on the highway, and the fight escalated to gunfire.
The highway patrol spokesman said the cab driver is in critical condition and the passenger was the one who died.
No other information about this incident has been released by police.
A GoFundMe set up by the cab driver's family identifies him as Jason Bullock.
Family members said the passenger changed his mind at the last minute on where he wanted to be dropped off, and while on the way to the new destination lunged at Bullock and threatened his life. During the struggle, Bullock grabbed his gun and shot the passenger and accidentally shot himself, family members said, adding that the injury severed his spinal chord, leaving him unable to move.
Those interested in donating can do so on the family's GoFundMe page.
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 between and 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/