ST. LOUIS - Robert Jones lives near the intersection of Greer and Garrison Avenues.  He says the area includes homeowners who have lived in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood for decades.

“They’re nice people,” he said. 

Gunfire entered the quiet neighborhood on Monday, leaving a 17-year-old boy with critical injuries. 

At least 35 evidence markers, often used by police to mark the location of shell casings at shooting scenes, were visible.

“You got some of these kids walking around here with AR-15s,” said Carl Tucker, a nearby resident. “We’re not in Iraq, but we are because we got these kids coming through here like that.”

Police say the teen victim told them a man he didn’t know was wearing a black facemask and blue jeans when he opened fire. The victim’s condition is now considered stable.

The shooting occurred near Greater Fairfax Baptist Church.  Church leaders plan on conducting a community canvas in the coming days to check on residents. 

Tucker believes tougher penalties for offenders and more neighborhood policing would help.

St. Louis Police encourage anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward to contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).