ST. LOUIS — St. Louis police officers are investigating an illegal drug deal gone bad after a teen was assaulted and robbed Friday, a report from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said.
Trying to buy marijuana, the 19-year-old victim was with an acquaintance and a strange man when they entered a home in the 4100 block of Walsh Street, in the Bevo Mill neighborhood of south St. Louis, the report said.
"Once inside the home the 19-year-old was struck by a man and knocked to the ground where he was assaulted by several males," the SLMPD report said. "The males took the man’s backpack, which contained cash, his phone, and other personal items."
The victim ran out of the back of the home and borrowed a phone to call 911.
Officers with SLMPD's First District were sent to the area after a Hold Up-Just Occurred call. They arrived around 1:30 p.m. Friday.
More information may be forthcoming further into the investigation. This story will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available.
"The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the South Patrol Division at 314-444-0100 for a District One detective," the police statement sait. "Anyone who wants to remain anonymous and/or is interested in a possible reward can call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (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.
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 home from the emergency department after being shot.
