St. Louis, Missouri: A 14-year-old boy was shot Tuesday evening during an attempted armed robbery in downtown St. Louis. The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on the 800 block of North 9th Street. St. Louis City Police District 4 officers responded promptly after reports of shots fired, finding both the juvenile suspect and an adult male victim injured.

Police confirmed that the 14-year-old and an accomplice attempted to rob a 45-year-old man and another individual at gunpoint. Authorities say the incident escalated quickly, resulting in gunfire between the suspects and the adult victim. The confrontation highlighted the dangers of armed robberies and the rapid escalation of violence in downtown areas.

During the encounter, the 45-year-old victim produced his own firearm and commanded the 14-year-old to drop his weapon. Shots were exchanged between the parties, resulting in injuries to both the adult and the teen. Police described the situation as volatile but noted that neither sustained life-threatening injuries.

Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene within minutes and provided treatment to the injured. The 14-year-old and the adult victim were transported to local hospitals for care. Hospital sources confirmed that both patients were in stable condition and expected to recover fully from their injuries.

The additional suspect involved in the attempted robbery fled the scene before police arrived. Authorities are actively investigating the identity of this individual and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation in apprehending suspects involved in armed incidents.

District 4 officers secured the area around North 9th Street and conducted interviews with witnesses who observed the attempted robbery. Police also reviewed nearby surveillance footage to piece together the sequence of events leading up to and during the shooting. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence to determine the full circumstances.

Community members expressed concern over the increase in violent crimes in downtown St. Louis. Residents described the incident as alarming, particularly because a juvenile was involved in an armed robbery. Local leaders have reiterated the importance of youth outreach programs and education to prevent teens from engaging in criminal activity.

Law enforcement officials stressed the dangers associated with armed robberies, noting that even minor confrontations can escalate into shootings. Authorities advised the public to exercise caution in high-traffic areas, remain aware of their surroundings, and report suspicious activity immediately.

The St. Louis Police Department is coordinating with prosecutors to determine potential charges against the juvenile and any other suspects involved in the attempted robbery. While the investigation is ongoing, police emphasized that public safety remains a top priority in the downtown corridor.

As the community processes the events, authorities continue to urge vigilance and cooperation. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by armed confrontations and the importance of swift law enforcement response to protect both residents and potential victims.