ST. LOUIS — A suspect was killed and a security guard injured in a shooting early Monday morning at a QuikTrip in south St. Louis.
The shooting happened just after midnight Monday during an altercation between the suspect and a security guard inside the QuikTrip at 4101 Gravois Ave, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
The suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and the 39-year-old security guard was shot in his thigh during a struggle for his gun, police sources told 5 On Your Side.
The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Michael Weaver of St. Louis, was found dead on the floor inside the gas station, and the security guard was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries, police said.
The Homicide Division assumed the ongoing investigation.
Michael Junk, manager of public and government affairs for QuikTrip, released the following statement Monday morning regarding the deadly shooting: “Our top priority is always the safety of our employees and customers, and we take this responsibility very seriously. We are working closely with local law enforcement and will continue to assist with their ongoing investigation into the incident that took place today between a third-party security contractor and an individual at our Gravois Avenue location. We will continue to take necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and communities we serve.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
Police said there have been 365 calls to the QuikTrip since last January. It's a large number for the area covering everything from fights to drug overdoses. Police told the I-Team they're deciding whether a bigger police presence is necessary.
The aftermath
Drivers filled up their cars at a QuikTrip, unaware that just hours ago it was a crime scene.
"That's actually shocking," said driver Betzani Aguilar, just learning about the incident.
One man was shot to death, and another is recovering from being shot in the leg, now in critical condition. Police sources said the man recovering is a 39-year-old security guard who acted in self-defense when a customer tried to steal his gun. QuikTrip told the I-Team the security guard was contracted to work at the convenience store.
"It's scary," said Jordan Edwards, another driver who came to QuikTrip.
Edwards moved to St. Louis from the Chicago area to grow his business rehabbing houses. The news puts him on edge.
"I'm even working in an area in town where I almost got robbed the other day. And this is crazy. What has this world come to?" he said.
QuikTrip's response
We asked QuikTrip for specifics on the "necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and communities."
The spokesperson told us:
“The decision to deploy additional security guards at stores is made on a store-by-store basis to ensure customer and employee safety, and to help further the in-store experience that QT customers have come to know, love and expect. Additionally, over the past several years, our stores in the St. Louis area have been subjected to a significant increase in crime that has resulted in millions of dollars in theft and necessitated a number of physical and operational modifications to our stores to ensure the safety, security and well-being of our customers and employees. These modifications, including the deployment of 24/7 security, store renovations, limited restroom access, increased lighting and augmented store hours, were made in coordination and consultation with local city and law enforcement officials. QuikTrip invests 5% of net profits back into the communities that support its stores. Specifically, in St. Louis, QuikTrip has made substantial investments to support the St. Louis Police Foundation so that our local law enforcement have the resources they need to keep our community safe. But make no mistake, the violence and crime gripping the city of St. Louis is not solely a QuikTrip problem – this is a symptom of a much larger issue around the de-prioritization of public safety in recent years. At QuikTrip, safety is our number one priority and, as a member of the business community, we are doing everything in our power to protect our employees, customers and community.”
As authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, questions remain about the protocols in place for security personnel and the escalation of violence. With the investigation ongoing, the community awaits answers.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
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