A pickup basketball game at Love Bank Park in south St. Louis on Wednesday night ended in gunfire, leaving a 17-year-old in critical but stable condition and another teenager with minor injuries. Police report that a 26-year-old man has been arrested and is being held without bond in connection with the shooting.
Prosecutors have charged James Jones, 26, with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to KSDK. A probable-cause statement cited by prosecutors says Jones' brother was involved in a "tussle" with two other people in which no punches were thrown. During that scuffle, one person allegedly dropped a handgun. Investigators say Jones picked up the gun and opened fire, striking the 17-year-old. The shooting was reported around 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The 17-year-old victim was rushed to the hospital, where authorities described his condition as critical but stable. A second juvenile, a 16-year-old, suffered minor injuries in the same disturbance. Officials have not released the names of either teen.
At Love Bank Park
Police say the shooting unfolded on the basketball court at Love Bank Park, near the intersection of Nebraska and Cherokee streets in the Benton Park West neighborhood. The park was redeveloped and reopened in 2024 as a community plaza featuring a permeable basketball court and performance space, as reported by St. Louis Public Radio.
Next Steps
Jones is being held at the St. Louis City Justice Center with no bond, and prosecutors say his next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, per KSDK. Investigators say it is still unclear what sparked the initial altercation, and the case remains under investigation. Authorities have not released any additional details about the victims' identities.
