ST. LOUIS — Despite being in the safety of an SUV driven by his father, a 16-year-old boy was critically wounded when an unknown shooter opened fire at them on I-55 in south St. Louis.
The victim and his father were traveling north on I-55 near Saturday night when someone shot into their vehicle, the victim's father told police.
A statement from police around midnight placed the shooting on I-55 near Bates Avenue, between the Dutchtown and Carondelet neighborhoods, but a Sunday morning update said the scene was found in the southbound lanes of I-55 over Loughborough Avenue.
The later update places the shooting in the Carondelet neighborhood, over the western portions of Carondelet Park.
After the shooting, the victim's father continued to drive. He met police and paramedics at South 4th Street and Walnut Street, more than five miles away from Loughborough Avenue.
"EMS transported the 16-year-old to an area hospital where he was listed in critical condition," the Sunday morning police statement said. "Due to the condition of the 16-year-old, the Homicide Division has assumed the ongoing investigation."
More information may be forthcoming further into the investigation. This story will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371," police said. "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.