Woman Shot at Missouri Casino Garage, Fighting for Life in Hospital

Posted on: September 28, 2024, 09:42h. 

Last updated on: September 28, 2024, 09:44h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A 27-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries after she was wounded Saturday in the parking garage at Missouri’s Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles.

The unnamed victim required surgery at a local hospital after she was shot in the neck at about 2:30 a.m., according to St. Louis, Mo. TV station KTVI.

St. Charles Police Department were alerted and rushed to the scene.

The victim, who was on the second floor of the parking facility, was able to reveal to officers the name of her shooter.

A short time later, Calvin Koong, 50, of St. Louis, was charged with first-degree domestic assault, first-degree kidnapping, and armed criminal action.

He remained in custody at the St. Charles County Jail as of late Saturday. His bond was set at $500K.

Police said he was the victim’s boyfriend.

Victim in Parked Car

Based on casino surveillance video, the victim was inside a car owned by Koong, according to Missouri TV station KSDK.

She was in the driver’s seat and the driver’s door was opened. The woman apparently tried to leave the vehicle. Koong pushed the woman back into the car and the two got into what was described as a struggle, police said.

She eventually was able to flee from the car. But a few feet away she fell down on the garage pavement after getting wounded.

Good Samaritans rushed over to help her and provide emergency first aid. They also alerted authorities.

Koong ran away, but was blocked from leaving the area because of a concrete barrier in the parking garage.

An Ameristar Casino security guard soon arrived and spotted Koong.

Confessed to Shooting

The guard apprehended the suspect. He confessed to the guard, “I shot her. I shot her.” Koong also later confessed to police officers, KSDK reported.

Officers arrested Koong. They also searched the suspect’s car and found a firearm. It was seized as evidence.

The case was turned over to local prosecutors. If convicted, Koong could be sentenced to prison.

Police didn’t reveal a motive for the shooting.

The victim was rushed to the hospital’s emergency room. No word on the victim’s condition as of late Saturday. Details on her injuries weren’t immediately released by police.

Charges could be upgraded if the woman doesn’t survive.