Police still seeking suspect in convenience store shooting

Cape Girardeau police continue to investigate the motive in a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a Cape Girardeau convenience store early Tuesday morning.

Police responded to a report of shots fired at Rhodes 101 Stop at 546 S. Sprigg St. around 1:30 a.m., following an initial call for police presence to break up a crowd gathering in the gas station lot.

An 18-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds, but police haven't yet determined how many shots hit him and which injuries were exit wounds, said Sgt. Barry Hovis.

Police located the victim about a block away at a residence, after someone at the residence called 911 seeking medical assistance. After being shot, the man ran to the house behind the Rhodes 101 on South Frederick Street because he knew someone there, Hovis said. The victim was transported to an area hospital in serious condition, though his present condition is unknown.

"The victim's not cooperating with us at all," Hovis said.

An active Cape Girardeau Police Department warrant remains attached to the victim, for a misdemeanor contempt of court for possession of a controlled substance.

The warrant has not yet been served because the victim's medical condition takes precedence, Hovis said. Bond for the warrant would be set at $189.50 cash only.

Shell casings were found near the parking lot, and police have identified the caliber of the gun used in the shooting based on the ballistics evidence, but declined to disclose that information because no arrest has been made.

Police scoured the area surrounding the parking searching for the gun but were unable to locate it, Hovis said.

The crowded parking lot gave police many witnesses to interview, but no suspect has yet been identified, Hovis said.

Police were told an argument sparked the shooting, but do not know any details as to the nature of the argument, he said.

Police request that anyone with information about the shooting call them at 335-6621.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245