U Can Dance Studio Publishes Statement After Saturday Night Shooting
ST. ANN, Mo. — U Can Dance Studio has issued a statement following the shooting that unfolded Saturday night at its St. Ann location, where hundreds of young people had gathered and gunfire left two people wounded.
The incident happened at the studio on Adie Road as a large gathering of approximately 400 juveniles was taking place. Police responded to reports of gunfire at about 10:20–10:30 p.m. Saturday.
According to preliminary information from authorities, officers arriving at the scene encountered a person allegedly firing multiple rounds into the crowd with what police described as an apparent automatic firearm.
Two people in the crowd were struck by gunfire.
Suspect Shot by Police
Authorities said officers confronted the suspect after he fled from the immediate area toward a nearby residence.
Police attempted to stop the suspect and issued commands. Investigators said the suspect then turned toward officers while still holding the firearm and failed to comply with commands.
An officer subsequently opened fire, striking the suspect.
The suspect was treated and transported to a hospital in critical condition. No police officers were reported injured.
The identities and conditions of the two people who were shot had not been publicly released in the latest reports.
Large Crowd at Dance Studio
The size of the gathering has drawn particular attention because approximately 400 young people were reportedly present when the shooting occurred. Reports indicate the gathering followed a concert at Hollywood Casino, although investigators have not indicated that the concert itself was connected to the shooting.
The incident prompted a significant emergency response. A television crew at the scene shortly before midnight reported seeing approximately a dozen police vehicles, emergency medical personnel and crime-scene tape surrounding the area around U Can Dance Studio. Police asked people to avoid the area while the investigation was underway.
Studio Responds
The statement from U Can Dance Studio comes as families, young people and members of the surrounding community process what happened.
The studio has become the focus of attention following the shooting, but the investigation remains centered on determining how the gunfire began, who was responsible and what led to the confrontation between the suspect and police.
U Can Dance describes itself as a dance studio serving people of different ages and offering private and group instruction in multiple dance styles.
Officer-Involved Shooting Also Under Investigation
The shooting involving the suspect is also being investigated as an officer-involved shooting.
The Maryland Heights Police Department is assisting with that portion of the investigation, according to reports. Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the scene, witness accounts and available video as they reconstruct the sequence of events.
Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of the suspect, the two wounded victims or the officer involved in the police shooting.
Investigation Continues
Several questions remain unanswered, including what led to the initial gunfire, the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s presence at the gathering and the events immediately preceding the police confrontation.
St. Ann police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the department at 314-427-8000.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected as authorities continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence.
This is a developing story. The U Can Dance Studio statement and additional official information may provide further details about the studio’s response, the safety of those attending the gathering and what happens next.
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