ST. LOUIS, MO — A robbery in Amberg Park turned into a shootout Tuesday evening, leaving the victim and both suspects with gunshot wounds.

According to St. Louis police, the incident occurred just after 5:30 p.m. on August 5 in the city’s Bevo Mill neighborhood. A man in his 30s told officers he was sitting in the park when two armed men approached and robbed him at gunpoint, taking his backpack.

After surrendering the bag, the victim drew his own firearm and exchanged gunfire with the suspects. During the shootout, the victim was struck in the leg. He reported hearing the suspects yell that they had been hit before fleeing the scene.

While police were investigating, two men in their twenties arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds to their lower legs. Detectives determined they were the same suspects involved in the robbery. Both were listed in stable condition.

A search of the suspects’ vehicle revealed two firearms and the victim’s stolen backpack. The suspects remain in police custody while receiving medical treatment. Charges are pending. The victim was also hospitalized in stable condition.

This incident highlights the extreme danger of drawing a firearm when an attacker already has a gun pointed at you — a situation known as drawing from the drop. In this case, the decision to engage led to gunfire, and all involved were wounded. When facing such a threat, the attacker already has the advantage. Firearm owners should train not only in marksmanship but also in recognizing high-risk moments like this and understanding the potential consequences before taking action.