ST. LOUIS — The Playground Bar & Grill near Fairground Park is open, but it may not remain that way for long, according to St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy.
The bar became the scene of the city's latest mass shooting at around 10 p.m. Sunday night. Officers who arrived at the scene of the shooting found two gunshot victims inside the bar and a third victim who was privately transported to the hospital. Three other victims were found at the scene during officers' initial investigation.
“Six people were shot,” Tracy said. “There was more than 100 shell casings.”
Police said a 54-year-old man was shot in the foot, a 28-year-old man was shot in the arm, a 32-year-old woman was shot in the arm, a 30-year-old man was shot in the back, a 24-year-old woman was shot in the stomach and another man was shot in the stomach.
Police initially said a seventh victim was injured but said there were only six victims in a later update. All were hospitalized as of Monday morning, police said.
“There were lots of shots going off and when I heard them, I grabbed my child and we ran inside our home,” said a startled mom who asked not to be named.
She’s lived in the area for several years.
“About 15 minutes later, I went outside and saw all the police and ambulances. I saw two of the victims being put on stretchers. It was just ridiculous, scary and a crazy experience,” said the neighbor.
“I’m sick of the shootings. Sadly, I think it’s going to keep on happening. I’m just trying to stay safe and out of the way,” the woman added.
It's not the first time the police department has responded to calls of violence at this location. In fact, officers have responded to the bar 19 times in 2024 alone. Eight shot spotter activations have also been traced to the bar's location, including the latest case where investigators aren't sure whether some of the victims are also suspects.
“St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is working with problem properties and other stakeholders to address issues at this establishment,” Tracy said. “Of the six victims shot two are convicted felons and two are convicted gang members. Knowing people with the highest propensity of violence, carrying guns, known to each other is sometimes a recipe for disaster.”
Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, who represents the area, admits he’s tired of the violence not only in the 14th Ward, but across the City of St. Louis.
“We’re constantly having to figure out how do we combat gun violence in our community,” Aldridge said. “There’s no easy answer. It does become a little depressing at times.”
Aldridge prefers what he calls a holistic approach to fighting crime, one that helps the city's most at need.
"I know from city hall we’re trying to do everything possible," Aldridge said. "What are we missing? How do we get most young people, our most vulnerable people who feel hopeless, to have hope again?
For Chief Tracy, the answer is simple.
“Too many guns are in the hands of people who are going to use them in incidents like this,” Chief Tracy said.
“I think this is bigger than policy,” Aldridge said. “I think this is communities coming together and saying enough is enough.”
As police continue their investigation into the shooting near Playground Bar, and try and determine who the suspect or suspects are in this situation, it's believed that all six shooting victims will survive their injuries.
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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