ST. LOUIS — Sheer terror came Thursday evening when a stray bullet hit an older adult in his Dutchtown neighborhood home.
Denver Nichols, an 80-year-old retired business owner, was enjoying a quiet night with his 78-year-old wife in his south St. Louis home.
Police say, a stray bullet blasted through the family's screened-in back porch, through their back door, and into a wall around 7:30 p.m.
It happened near the corner of Louisiana Avenue and Gasconade Street by Marquette Park as Nichols stood in his kitchen.
"My mom heard two shots," said Eileen Balmer, the couple's daughter.
Nichols had been shot in his right arm.
His wife called 911.
"I'm pretty sure the police were there before a couple of minutes. They put a tourniquet on him right away because he was bleeding profusely," said Balmer.
The paramedics arrived and rushed him to a hospital in critical condition.
Nichols underwent surgery on Friday. Police have not shared any witnesses during the time of the shooting.
A neighbor, Wendy Campbell said, "That's just ridiculous. He's in his good years. He needs to just feel safe in his home."
The couple rehabbed their home three weeks ago. Now, they want to move.
"Yeah, he's totally reversed in his thinking about the area. My mom didn't want to move into the city at all. She was afraid of living in the neighborhood," said Balmer.
"That bullet was an inch from hitting him in the abdomen or you know even the head, so I'm very thankful," Balmer said.
Police are still searching for the suspect.
If you know anything, call Crime Stoppers at 866-371-T I P S or 866-371-8477.
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.