A daylight carjacking at a College Hill gas station led to a high-speed chase and the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported. The incident occurred when a 61-year-old man parked at the BP Gas Station on the 200 block of E. Grand Avenue to use the pump. As he exited his vehicle, he was approached by an armed male who demanded his keys, according to SLMPD.
The victim complied, dropping his keys and retreating, as the suspect retrieved the keys and took off in the man's Chrysler 300. Fortunately, the 61-year-old was not harmed during the exchange. The red Dodge Charger, reportedly used by the assailant, was involved in another carjacking earlier that same day. The incident was first broadcast over police dispatch, issuing a description of both vehicles.
Shortly thereafter, a 4th District officer identified the suspect's Chrysler along with the Dodge Charger on I-70 & Tucker Boulevard. Despite engaging his emergency signals, the pursuit went south on Tucker, eventually leading to the Chrysler crashing into a traffic signal box at Tucker Boulevard & Chouteau Avenue—where the Dodge Charger managed to elude the police. Of the two males who fled from the crashed Chrysler, one, a 17-year-old, was later apprehended in the 900 block of Lebanon Drive after a brief escape.
The teenager was taken to the hospital for evaluation, and upon being deemed fit for incarceration, was taken into custody. His counterpart, however, remains at large. The investigation into these intertwined carjackings is still active and authorities are calling on witnesses to step forward with any helpful information.
Anonymous tips are welcome and can be directed to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477) or to a 5th district detective at 314-444-0001. There could be a cash reward for any tip that leads to an arrest. The SLMPD's announcement seeks the public's aid in bringing these offenders to justice and enhancing community safety.
