A 16-year-old suspect was shot in the chest during an armed robbery in Soulard and is now in critical condition. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, involving four suspects who confronted two men sitting in their vehicle.

ST. LOUIS, MO (2-minute read) — A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in the chest during an attempted armed robbery in the Soulard neighborhood early Saturday morning. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported that the juvenile suspect and three other individuals tried to rob two men who were sitting in their car around 1:30 a.m.

The incident occurred near the intersection of 9th Street and Russell Avenue when the intended victims, both 24-year-old men, were approached by four males wearing ski masks. According to police, two of the suspects stood behind the vehicle displaying a firearm, while the juvenile suspect reached into the car through an open window, attempting to take items from the occupants.

As the juvenile continued his attempt, another suspect tried to open the passenger door. At this point, one of the intended victims, fearing for his safety, shot the juvenile as he was reaching through the window. The suspects then fled the scene in a white SUV, leaving the wounded juvenile behind.

Shortly after the incident, the injured juvenile was dropped off at a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. Officers who responded to the hospital recovered a ski mask as evidence.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police working to identify and locate the remaining suspects involved in the attempted robbery.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous situations whenever possible. If you are a firearm owner, ensure you are trained in its use and understand the legalities surrounding the use of lethal force for self-defense.