Tragedy struck on Interstate 55 when shots were fired into an SUV, resulting in a 16-year-old boy being critically injured. According to St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting occurred near the construction zone on the interstate. The driver, identified as the victim's father, notified authorities as he rushed to seek help, ending up at 4th and Walnut where emergency services were able to meet him.
Authorities found the crime scene along the southbound lanes near Loughborough. While driving towards assistance, the father told dispatchers that, being struck by a bullet, his son was in desperate need of medical attention. Quickly upon their arrival, EMS provided care for the young victim before transporting him to the area hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
With the severity of the incident, the Homicide Division is now spearheading the investigation. As detectives piece together the sequence of events that unfolded on the busy interstate, they are calling on the public for assistance. Any witness or person with information is being urged to step forward.
Remaining anonymous is an option for those who come forward, and a possible reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest or charges being filed. "Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371," said the SLMPD police report. Additionally, potential tips can be submitted to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477), which is a resource that allows individuals to share what they know while preserving their own privacy.
