A 27-year-old woman sustained life-threatening injuries after being wounded early Saturday in the parking garage of the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, Missouri. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m., when the woman was shot in the neck. St. Louis TV station KTVI reported that she required surgery at a local hospital.
St. Charles Police Department officers rushed to the scene after being alerted. The victim, who was located on the second floor of the parking facility, managed to disclose the name of her assailant to the responding officers. Shortly thereafter, 50-year-old Calvin Koong from St. Louis was apprehended and charged with first-degree domestic assault, first-degree kidnapping, and armed criminal action. He remained in custody at the St. Charles County Jail with bond set at $500,000. According to police, Koong was the victim’s boyfriend.
Surveillance footage from the casino revealed that the victim was inside Koong’s car at the time of the incident. She was seated in the driver’s seat with the door open, seemingly attempting to exit the vehicle. However, Koong forced her back into the car, leading to a struggle between the two. Eventually, the woman managed to escape the vehicle but collapsed a few feet away on the garage pavement after being shot.
Nearby Good Samaritans quickly intervened, providing emergency first aid and notifying the authorities. Koong attempted to flee but was hindered by a concrete barrier in the parking garage. An Ameristar Casino security guard soon arrived and spotted him. Koong confessed to the guard, stating, “I shot her. I shot her.” He later reiterated his confession to the police.
Officers arrested Koong and subsequently searched his car, discovering a firearm that was seized as evidence. The case has been turned over to local prosecutors, and if convicted, Koong could face a prison sentence. Police have not disclosed a motive for the shooting.
The victim was transported to the hospital’s emergency room, but her condition as of late Saturday remained undisclosed. Authorities have yet to release specific details about her injuries. Charges against Koong could be upgraded if the victim does not survive.
