ST. LOUIS — A man was shot and killed in downtown St. Louis near Kiener Plaza Thursday afternoon.
On Saturday, police announced that a 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody and investigators would be seeking federal prosecution.
Police identified the victim as 30-year-old Darrius Mullins of St. Louis.
Officers responded to a shooting shortly after 3:30 p.m. at the 7th Street and Market Street intersection, near Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis.
At the scene, officers found Mullins suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a press conference, a spokesperson said Mullins was a Kiener Plaza regular who was known to skateboard in the area. He was taking a break from skating and was sitting on a bench when the suspect approached him.
A verbal altercation began, and shots were fired, police said.
“I was on my way home,” Panda Jones, an eyewitness, said.
The sudden, loud gunfire stopped Jones and others in their tracks.
“It was startling and scary,” said Jones.
Police say the shooter and victim first argued and then at least 15 gunshots rang out.
“The shooter chased the victim from inside the park and shot him. The first time it looked like he missed. The second time he got him. He fell down. The third time he stood over him and shot him, Jones said.
“I’ve been working downtown for 10 years. I’ve never seen anything like this,” Tiffany Jew said. “I’m sorry it happened."
The deadly shooting happened just blocks away from 5 On Your Side’s building and across the street from Spire Gas Company where a stunned Jew works.
“Security people just came, evacuated the building and asked us all to leave together,” Jew said.
“We don’t know anything about the suspect at this time, but we’re thinking it was a targeted attack since they engaged in verbal altercation. Prior to that, the victim was alone sitting on a bench,” Lieutenant Donna Garrett said.
Police confirm that this incident was the city’s 45th homicide so far this year.
“I don’t think the city can get a control on of the crime problem,” Jones said.
“I think it’s getting progressively worse. My son recently left St. Lous and moved to California because of all the violence in our city. I pray for our city,” Jew said.
Police are reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses, hoping it will lead them to the shooter.
Gallery: 30-year-old Darrius Mullins of St. Louis
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Division responded and assumed the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call the division directly at 314-444-5371, or 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.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.