An incident of aggravated violence jolted the Walnut Park West community when a 40-year-old woman was shot at Lee’s Chicken on Saturday afternoon. The confrontation unfolded after an unknown vehicle struck the woman's parked car outside the restaurant located at 6140 W. Florissant Ave. She stepped outside to address the situation with the other driver, a sequence of events that soon escalated beyond a mere traffic accident.
According to police reports and an article by SLMPD, when the victim informed the female driver responsible for the collision that she was going to call the police, an unknown male accompanying the driver swiftly took to violently assert their desire to avoid law enforcement involvement. Armed with a gun, the male suspect began to shoot, aiming at the woman before both suspects hastily fled the scene.
The victim's trip to the hospital followed promptly after District 6 officers responded to the 3:30 PM emergency call. There, in the sterility of the hospital rooms, she was treated for her injuries and later reported in stable condition. Her physical wounds possibly tended to, but the lingering fear, the sense of vulnerability that comes when violence touches the everyday, may not be as easily remedied.
As the investigation continues, District 6 detectives are urging the community to come forward with any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects. Anonymity and the lure of a cash reward are promised for those willing to share details that could solve the case. Interested individuals can contact the North Patrol Division at 314-444-0001 or remain anonymous and potentially qualify for a reward by calling CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
