ST. LOUIS — People who live on West Belle Place in north St. Louis say their street is a typical one: filled with families, seniors and children.
"I've lived here for nearly 23 years and I can tell you our street is nice and very quiet. The people here are very nice," said one woman, who asked to remain anonymous.
Now, word is spreading about the not so nice things that happened to a Door Dash delivery driver.
The driver told police shortly before midnight Tuesday he was delivering food to an apartment building on West Belle Place when about seven young males, armed with guns, beat him up and took off in his car.
"That's so upsetting. It's a shame because it was real close, just down the street. We just don't have that kind of violence on this street," said the concerned woman.
Investigators said initially the victim thought he was just bruised, but when he got to a hospital, he realized he'd been shot in his back.
"I just hate to hear that. Thank you for telling us about this because we did not know that had happened," added the woman.
"I feel sorry for the guy," said Robert Russell, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years.
"There are mostly older people who live on this street. Those people coming around here doing that, they shouldn't do that. It's not right," Russell said.
Police said when they spotted the victim's stolen car miles away, the driver pulled into a driveway where several suspects then ran off.
Officers arrested 18-year-old Charles Burston, III. and an unnamed teenager.
Prosecutors charged Burston with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony.
Back on West Belle Place, neighbors are still thinking about the delivery driver shot while just trying to do his job.
"I'm so glad he survived," Russell said.
"He's real lucky. Do you know how many people survived gunshots and getting beat up," said the other neighbor.
Police are still looking for the other suspects. If you know anything about this crime, call St. Louis police.