EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — Two people were shot Tuesday afternoon in East St. Louis, authorities said.
The East St. Louis Police Department and Illinois State Police responded to the shooting at about 1:15 p.m. in the 1000 block of Bond Avenue.
According to police, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were inside a parked Sedan near the intersection of South 10th Street and Bond Avenue when a passing vehicle opened fire on them.
Police said both victims were transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The woman's 5-month-old son was also inside the vehicle and taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries that are not suspected of being from gunfire, police said.
“I heard six gunshots. I then ran outside because my son had just left the store,” said an employee at Pop’s Liquor Store.
The fearless worker immediately laid eyes on the 5-month-old baby in the front seat, the male passenger was holding.
“I saw the baby, ran back in the store, grabbed my phone and called 911. He was still moving around. I checked the baby. He was not shot and okay,” said the worker.
“He wasn’t crying. He was calm, but he had blood all over him,” said one neighbor.
“The man is a regular customer in our store. He’s my friend and he’s a good guy. Both victims were shot in the head,” added the store employee.
“We are just sick and tired of all the gun violence. There are a lot of good, decent people live here in the John DeShields Housing Complex and many people who don’t live here come to our neighborhood, cause the problems, and then leave. We also need more police officers patrolling this area on a regular basis,” said another concerned neighbor.
“I’m so glad that baby wasn’t seriously hurt and I’m praying they catch those guys,” said the store employee.
Anyone with information about the shooting can call the East St. Louis Police Department at (618) 482-6600.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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.
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