ST CHARLES, Mo. — A St. Charles retirement community resident was charged after he shot a security guard Friday night, police said.
Police arrested Constantino "John" Spatafora, at his apartment building in the Windsor Estates community and he was charged with assault and armed criminal action.
The St. Charles Police Department said officers responded to a shooting call just before 9:45 p.m. Friday, April 7 at the Windsor Estates. Officers found a 22-year-old security guard who had been shot one time in the stomach.
According to the probable cause statement, the security guard was inspecting a light that had been switched off in the cafeteria. He switched the light on prior to the incident to inspect the area, which was when he made contact with Spatafora. Police said Spatafora then shot the security guard in the stomach.
The guard was taken to a local hospital and was treated. According to the probable cause statement, the guard required emergency surgery and could not provide a statement before the statement was filed.
Police did not provide an update on his condition Tuesday.
Spatafora was found to have a .357 revolver and .38 caliber ammunition in his apartment, according to the probable cause statement. A spent .38 caliber cartridge was found in the cafeteria after the shooting.
“My initial reaction was that’s odd. You don’t see older adults really injuring or trying to hurt other people," Dr. Jameca Woody-Cooper, a clinical psychologist and program director at Webster University, said.
About 30% of her practice is devoted to older adult mental health care.
Dr. Woody-Cooper said there are key signs of mental illness to look for before someone turns to violence.
“Things like mood changes, personality changers and confusion. When you’re noticing that someone used to be happy, bubbly and all of a sudden, they’re not, they’re quiet, they’re isolated. That’s a sign,” the Webster University adjunct professor said.
5 On Your Side’s Robert Townsend wanted to know how did Spatafora get his hands on a gun?
Also, how long did he have the weapon in his possession?
No one would say.
The 81-year-old was charged with one count of each first-degree assault and armed criminal action by the St. Charles County Attorney's Office.
Spatafora is being held on $200,000 cash-only bond. Police said he has no known criminal history.
A statement from Sharon Wooten, Windsor Estates administrator, reads:
I am writing to inform you about a shooting incident that occurred in our community last night. The incident resulted in one security staff member injury perpetrated by a male who resides independently in an apartment on our campus. We have no further updates on the status of the staff member’s injury at this time. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts are with the team member and their family.
The incident was immediately reported to the authorities and law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene. They secured the area and conducted a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of our community. The suspected shooter was apprehended and removed from the community. We are grateful for their quick response and tireless efforts to resolve the situation.
In the aftermath of the incident, we have notified the appropriate authorities and have taken steps to provide support and resources to those affected by the incident. We will make counseling services available to anyone who may need them and have been working closely with law enforcement to ensure the ongoing safety of our community.
We understand that this incident has caused fear and uncertainty in our community, and we want to assure you that we are committed to taking measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time. If you have personal concerns about you or a loved one, please reach out to me.
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