Man kills would-be robber at St. Louis gas station, police say

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) - A man shot and killed the person who tried to rob him at a gas station just north of downtown St. Louis Wednesday, police told News 4.

St. Louis police said a man was shot and killed by his would-be robbery victim at the Zoom Gas Station near the intersection of Tucker and O’Fallon just after 6 a.m. Wednesday. During a press conference earlier in the day, police said they were originally called to the scene for a carjacking.

Both people involved had guns, but police say the deceased person is the suspect. They say he is a black man in his 20s who has not been identified. Police say the original robbery victim was a 48-year-old white man.

“We recommend that everyone take be aware of their surroundings, take their key fobs with them while they are at the gas stations because there has been somewhat of a spike in these types of incidents citywide,” Captain Pierre Benoist said.

The gas station was filled with people throughout Wednesday, many unaware that the shooting even took place. Jamie Faulkner is a frequent customer to the station, who says increased patrols are needed in the area.

“When we gonna get some help out here?” Faulkner said. “You making citizens and people defend themselves... Unfortunately, this is what comes about.”

Police ask anyone who can assist in their investigation to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477 or the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371.

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