ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A dispute that began at a Jimmy John’s restaurant in St. Louis ended with a 14-year-old girl being shot in the leg, according to and court documents.
The shooting happened shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday near Vandeventer and Laclede avenues, after a confrontation connected to a Jimmy John’s location in the 3800 block of Laclede.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the teenage victim was taken to a local hospital following the shooting and was listed in stable condition.
Police said the incident stemmed from a disagreement involving the girl’s mother and several people associated with the restaurant. Investigators are still examining the mother’s connection to the business and what led to the confrontation.
Court records identify the alleged shooter as 27-year-old Adam White, who police say worked at the Jimmy John’s where the dispute began.
Police Say Argument Escalated Before Gunfire
According to court documents, the confrontation reportedly began when White became involved in a verbal argument with a former employee.
The disagreement continued outside the restaurant and moved into the parking lot, where tensions escalated.
Police say the former employee eventually got into a vehicle with her boyfriend and her juvenile daughter, who was the 14-year-old victim.
As the vehicle began leaving the area, investigators allege that White opened fire.
Court documents state that White fired multiple rounds into the rear of the vehicle, with one of the bullets striking the teenage girl in her left leg.
The shooting left visible evidence on the vehicle. Investigators reportedly found ballistic damage to the trunk, supporting the account that shots were fired as the vehicle was leaving.
The teenager was the only person identified as being struck in the shooting.
14-Year-Old Taken to Hospital After Being Shot
After being wounded, the girl was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Despite being struck by gunfire, authorities said she was listed in stable condition.
The shooting has raised concerns because the dispute ultimately resulted in a child being caught in the middle of an escalating confrontation.
Police have not indicated that the teenager was the intended target of the shooting. The department said the exact circumstances surrounding the dispute remain under investigation.
The mother’s connection to the Jimmy John’s restaurant is also still being examined by investigators.
Suspect Allegedly Admits Firing at Vehicle
According to court documents, White initially fled the scene following the shooting. However, police say he later returned and was taken into custody.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, White allegedly admitted to investigators that he had fired at the vehicle. He also reportedly told detectives that he had left the firearm at his home.
The allegations are now part of the criminal case against him, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
White has been charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree child endangerment, among other felony offenses.
Jimmy John’s Shooting Investigation Continues
A judge ordered White to be held without bond pending trial as the case moves forward.
Investigators are continuing to examine the events leading up to the confrontation, including the disagreement at the restaurant, the identities and roles of those involved, and what prompted the alleged shooting.
Police have not indicated that the motive has been fully established.
For the 14-year-old victim and her family, the confrontation ended with a trip to the hospital after what began as a dispute at a restaurant.
The case now moves through the court system as prosecutors pursue the charges against White and investigators continue working to establish the full sequence of events.
What do you think about this case? Should disputes like this lead to stronger consequences when a child is injured? Share your thoughts in the comments.