Crime
Reward Offered for Information Leading to Arrest in Fatal Shooting of St. Louis BBQ Owner Ronald Milton in in Ferguson
The St. Louis community is reeling following the fatal shooting of Ronald Milton, a well-known and widely respected barbecue business owner, who was killed Sunday evening in Ferguson in what authorities are describing as a targeted and senseless act of violence.
According to the Ferguson Police Department, officers responded at approximately 6:26 p.m. on April 19, 2026, to reports of a shooting in a parking lot located in the 10900 block of New Halls Ferry Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered three individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Milton, 41, was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment; however, despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Two adult female victims were also transported to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for injuries that authorities have confirmed are not considered life-threatening.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that an unidentified suspect, believed to have been inside a vehicle, opened fire into a group of individuals gathered near a food truck in the parking lot.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been announced at this time, and investigators continue to pursue leads.
In response to the tragedy, local business owners and community leaders have united to offer a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of those responsible.
The announcement reflects growing outrage and concern within the community over acts of violence impacting local businesses and community figures.
Ronald Milton was known throughout the St. Louis area not only for his successful barbecue operation, but also for his warm personality and strong ties to the community.
Described as a devoted father and respected entrepreneur, Milton operated a popular food truck along Halls Ferry Road near Interstate 270, where he built a loyal following.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious or erratic driving in the area, observed the suspect vehicle, or captured relevant details such as a license plate number, to come forward. Even minor information may prove critical to the investigation.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact investigators at 636-529-8210. Tips may be eligible for the reward, and officials emphasize that community cooperation is essential in ensuring accountability and enhancing public safety.
Crime
5 dead including 3 children in Silver Rail Elementary shooting in Bend, teenage shooter killed by a Good Samaritan
BEND, Ore. โ Five people were reportedly killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, according to preliminary information attributed to federal law enforcement.
The reported shooting prompted a major emergency response involving police, fire crews, and emergency medical services.
Authorities issued an alert at approximately 1:17 p.m., warning of a large police presence at the elementary school and urging the public to avoid the area.
According to the information provided, four victims were killed at the school. Three of those victims were children, while the fourth was an adult. The suspected gunman, described in preliminary reports as a teenager, was also reported dead, bringing the reported total to five fatalities.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identities of the victims and the suspect, had not been fully established in the information available.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspected gunman was a teenager and was killed after being confronted by a Good Samaritan.
Earlier scanner traffic reportedly indicated that the suspect had been neutralized. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the individual who intervened may have been a father of a student at the school.
However, authorities had not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the confrontation or independently verified the reported identity and role of the person who intervened.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, how the suspect was stopped, and whether the suspect acted alone.
The first police alert was issued at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday. It described a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and instructed the public to stay away from the area.
Fire and emergency medical services personnel were seen responding near the school as authorities worked to address the reported threat and assist those affected.
The shooting prompted urgent concern among families and the surrounding community, particularly after reports indicated that children were among the victims.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial alert, police announced a reunification site for students and their families at Journey Church, located at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen.
Parents and guardians were instructed to go to the designated location to reunite with students and receive further information.
Authorities urged families to follow official instructions and avoid approaching the school while emergency operations continued.
The reported shooting also prompted precautionary security measures at nearby schools. Parents received alerts indicating that Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary School had been placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The lockdowns were reported as law enforcement responded to Silver Rail Elementary and worked to secure the surrounding area.
Further information was needed to establish how long the lockdowns remained in effect and when normal school operations resumed.
Although preliminary information indicated five deaths, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, additional official confirmation is needed regarding the victims’ identities, the suspect’s identity, and the circumstances of the shooting.
The reported involvement of a Good Samaritan also requires confirmation from investigators.
This remains a developing story. Further details should be added as law enforcement and school officials release verified information about the shooting and the investigation.