ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Division has been requested Friday evening after a man was found shot inside a U-Haul in the city's Dutchtown neighborhood.
St. Louis police said the shooting happened shortly after 6 p.m. Friday in the 3800 block of Dunnica Avenue near Amberg Park in Dutchtown. Officials at the scene confirmed a man was found in the front seat of a U-Haul in an alley.
Police identified the victim as 29-year-old Zachary Mills of O'Fallon, Missouri.
“It’s shocking that there have been tons of gunshots around this neighborhood,” Antony Nguyen said.
The shooting happened behind the home where Antony Nguyen and his parents have lived for 20 years.
“There shouldn’t be guns and violence involved in neighborhoods like this. I remember when I was young I would be able to go walk around the park and stuff like that without caring about getting hurt or anything, but nowadays I’d rather just stay inside and not worry about that,” Nguyen said.
As of Friday night, police have not provided anything regarding a possible suspect.
Homicide investigators were called to the scene. Police did not release any further information on the shooting.
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update this story as soon as information becomes available.
According to 5 On Your Side data, this incident would be the city's 122nd homicide of 2023.
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 de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thinking of suicide, help is available 24 hours a day through several hotlines. Use the numbers below or click the links for more information.