Three teens in custody following shooting at St. Charles Cracker Barrel

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) - Three teens connected to a shooting at a St. Charles Cracker Barrel early Monday morning have been taken into custody, police tell News 4.

A 52-year-old employee started his car to warm it up before he got off work around 5:30 a.m. While it was warming, police say he emptied a trash can when he spotted a gray Nissan pull up next to his car. A teen then got out of the Nissan and got into the victim’s car, while two other teens remained inside the Nissan.

The employee then yelled out at the teens, who then got out and shot the employee in the elbow and buttocks. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Nissan then got on I-70 eastbound and suffered a flat tire near I-270. The three teens then left the Nissan on the shoulder of I-70 and went to a trash dump in Earth City and stole a work truck. They then crashed the work truck into a ditch.

Maryland Heights officers later spotted two teenage boys and two girls nearby. Officers then detained the two boys and three girls. A third teenage boy was later found and taken into custody around 8:30 a.m.

Pattonville High School, Rose Acres Elementary and Holman Middle School had virtual learning days due to the search for the teens.

Police believe the Nissan was stolen out of Vinita Park Sunday night before the three teenage boys picked up the girls and went to a hotel in Earth City. Authorities say the girls are considered witnesses and not facing any charges. The boys, ages, 14, 15 and 16 were taken to the St. Louis County Juvenile Court.

How juveniles are prosecuted and sentenced is cloaked in secrecy. The juvenile courts refused to share any information on the three teens arrested in this case, what happens next or even if they have any prior record.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the St. Charles Police Department at 636-949-3300.

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