MANCHESTER, Mo. — Police believe four men who broke into cars early Friday morning in Manchester could be responsible for other car break-ins in the St. Louis area.
Officers with the Manchester Police Department responded to a call for gunfire at about 3 a.m. on the 3400 block of Country Stone Manor Drive in the Country Stone Manor Condominium.
Resident Georgia McGinthy said it's typically a peaceful place.
"I moved out here because I thought it was safer," said McGinthy.
"This is a wonderful location. It feels like a little village, " said Jeannette Dowling, another resident.
Police said officers spoke with a resident who said he saw four men breaking into cars parked on the condominium's lot. The resident said that he confronted the men before they got into a nearby car.
"They had ski masks on and he yelled at them to get away," recalled McGinthy.
The resident said one of the men then drove the car toward him, forcing him to jump out of the way. As the car drove past him, another man leaned out of the window and fired several shots at the witness, police said.
No injuries were reported.
"My God, I mean the poor man was just trying to alert everybody," said Dowling.
Police confirmed that nine cars were broken into near the scene of the shooting.
Meantime, back at the condominium complex, people are now on alert and relieved their neighbor is still with them.
"I always look around," added McGinthy.
"All I can say is our neighbor has a good guardian angel. He really does," added Dowling.
Officers canvassed the surrounding area for camera footage that could have captured the event, along with the business next to the scene.
A nearby business owner said he shared his security video with police.
Manchester police are working with law enforcement agencies in the area to determine other car break-ins the men might be responsible for.
Police asked anyone with information to call 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 home from the emergency department after being shot.