South City St. Louis authorities are investigating after a male was fatally shot early Saturday morning while reportedly attempting to break into vehicles. The incident occurred just before 5:00 a.m. in the 3800 block of Tesson Court in the Carondelet neighborhood.
St. Louis City Police District 1 officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at the location. First responders arrived quickly and discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that a citizen confronted two individuals who were attempting to steal items from parked cars. During the confrontation, one of the suspects reportedly pulled a firearm, prompting the citizen to respond with gunfire.
The male who was shot was struck during the exchange and died at the scene. The second suspect fled the area before law enforcement arrived and remains at large. Police have not released any further details about the suspect’s identity or possible description.
Authorities confirmed that the citizen involved in the shooting was not injured. Police have stated that the shooting is being treated as self-defense while the individual was protecting property. The citizen has fully cooperated with investigators.
Homicide detectives arrived at the scene to take over the investigation. A firearm was recovered from the location, and officers are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Evidence collection is ongoing, and investigators are speaking with witnesses in the area.
The identity of the male who was fatally shot has not yet been released pending family notification. Police urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Residents in the Carondelet neighborhood expressed shock at the early-morning incident. Many said they had not witnessed any unusual activity in the area recently, highlighting concerns about rising vehicle break-ins in South City St. Louis.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the suspects fleeing or who has security footage from the vicinity to contact investigators. Police emphasized that tips could be crucial in identifying and apprehending the second suspect involved in the crime.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the St. Louis Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371. For those wishing to remain anonymous and possibly qualify for a cash reward, tips can be submitted to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Only tips that lead to a felony arrest are eligible for CrimeStoppers’ rewards.
