16-year-old shot by victim during armed robbery in Soulard

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Police say a 16-year-old was shot in the chest as he and three other suspects attempted an armed robbery early Saturday in Soulard.

Following the incident, the male juvenile was dropped off at an area hospital where he is listed in critical condition, according to St. Louis Metropolitan Police.

Officers were dispatched around 1:30 a.m. Saturday to the area of 9th Street and Russell Avenue for a report of shots fired.

The victims, two 24-year-old men, told police they were sitting in their vehicle when they were approached by four males wearing ski masks.

Two of the suspects stood behind the vehicle brandishing a firearm, as the juvenile reached into an open vehicle window and began taking items from the victims, according to police.

When one of the suspects tried opening a passenger door, one of the victims shot the juvenile as the juvenile was reaching through the window.

The suspects then fled the scene in a white SUV. Police said the juvenile suspect was dropped off at the hospital, where officers collected a ski mask as evidence.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.