A shooting in a St. Louis local business left four people dead in an apparent murder-suicide, according to CBS Local News.
Officials responded to the scene at 2715 Cherokee Street at 1:29 p.m on Thursday. The three victims were employees of A K Home Health Care, St. Louis Police Capt. Michael Sack said in a press conference.
According to police, the shooter, identified as Ahmed Dirir, 59, appeared to have gotten into an argument with employees at the business before the shooting.
"There is surveillance video that shows a male in an apparent verbal dispute, and shortly thereafter, gunshots are shown penetrating a wall inside of the business," St. Louis Police spokesperson Schron Jackson said in a press release. "The male suspect is believed to be the owner of the business, and the other three victims are believed to be employees."
Officials identified the victims as Seaeed Abdulla, a 29-year-old male, and two females: Khadra Muse, 44, and Bernice Solomon-Redd, 54. The shooting shut down part of Cherokee Street between Ohio Avenue and Iowa Avenue Thursday afternoon, according to reports.
Police said when they arrived to the scene it was not an active shooter situation and homicide detectives were being brought in. The gunman allegedly killed himself after the shooting. Ann Williamson was a patron at the nearby Melt cafe when she witnessed the police arriving to the scene.
"Initially I saw several officers arrive with their guns drawn and they entered in the front of the Business Incubator and then gradually more police officers arrived," Williamson told CBS St. Louis.
Attorney Brian Edwards, whose law office is near the Cherokee Place Business Incubator, told CBS St. Louis he was surprised to hear of the shooting. He called the business district one of "the crown jewels in St. Louis."
"It is quite disappointing to hear that this has happened but I do not think in any way it is a reflection of this particular neighborhood," Edwards said.
