Marina
A shocking double shooting in downtown St. Louis unfolded Tuesday evening when a 14-year-old teen and a 45-year-old man were wounded during an attempted robbery.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) has launched an active investigation, trying to piece together the precise sequence of events, motives, and identities of those involved.
Incident Overview
Date, Time & Location
- Occurred on Oct. 7, 2025, shortly before 7 p.m. CDT.
- Location: 800 block of North 9th Street, downtown St. Louis.
- The incident was reported as shots fired to SLMPD’s District 4.
Parties Involved
| Role | Age / Identity | Action / Detail | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teenager | 14-year-old | Alleged attempted robber, fired shots | Non-life-threatening injury |
| Adult male victim | 45-year-old | Victim, retrieved his own firearm and exchanged fire | Non-life-threatening injury |
| Accomplice (suspect) | Unknown | Fled the scene after shots were fired | At large as of last update |
| Second man (intended victim) | Unknown | Was being targeted in the attempted robbery | Unharmed (based on reports) |
Detailed Narrative & Key Facts
Robbery Attempt & Gunfire Exchange
According to SLMPD’s preliminary findings, the 14-year-old and an accomplice approached two men and attempted to rob them at gunpoint. One of the intended victims, the 45-year-old man, responded by producing his own firearm.
A tense confrontation ensued:
- The man ordered the teen to drop his weapon,
- Shots were exchanged between the teen and the man.
- The other suspect accompanying the teen fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Both the teen and the adult man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Status of Suspects & Investigation
As of the latest reports:
- The accomplice suspect remains at large and is being sought by SLMPD.
- The investigation remains open as officers work to collect video footage, interview witnesses, and reconcile ballistic evidence.
Given the involvement of a teen, SLMPD’s juvenile division is likely to participate in the inquiry.
No public statements have confirmed any arrests or identities of the fleeing suspect, beyond that they are connected with the teenage suspect.
Community Impact & Reaction
This incident has stirred concern in downtown St. Louis, particularly about public safety, youth involvement in crime, and the risks posed when armed confrontation escalates.
The fact that a minor pulled a gun, and an adult victim chose to confront him, speaks to tensions around crime and self-defense within the city.
Local residents and community groups often stress the need for preventive efforts:
- More visible police presence
- Community outreach to troubled youth
- Encouraging conflict de-escalation and steering youth away from weapons
Some commentary also notes the danger of situations where both victims and suspects carry firearms, raising questions about whether intervention or retreat might sometimes be safer.
The downtown St. Louis attempted robbery that turned into a double shooting underscores how quickly violent confrontations can escalate, especially when firearms are present.
A 14-year-old teen and a 45-year-old man were both wounded, though thankfully not fatally. The case remains under active investigation by SLMPD, with the accomplice suspect still at large.
As the community awaits more updates, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of crime prevention, youth intervention, and policing strategies that address the root causes of firearms violence.