Arrest Made in Shooting Near Frog Hop That Left One Man Seriously Injured
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
An arrest has been made in connection with the shooting near the Frog Hop that shocked many St. Joseph residents last week.
According to court documents, 26-year-old Devon J. Banks of St. Joseph was taken into custody Friday in connection with the early morning shooting that occurred on Monday, July 27, in the 2000 block of Messanie Street.
Banks has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon and shooting at or from a motor vehicle at a person and a building resulting in injury.
Shooting Left One Man Seriously Injured
The incident happened at approximately 4:07 a.m., when St. Joseph police responded to reports of gunfire near the Frog Hop convenience store.
When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. He was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Investigators also determined that a nearby residence had been struck by gunfire, and multiple shell casings were recovered from the roadway.
The shooting drew significant attention across the community, with many residents expressing concern over yet another act of gun violence in the city.
Investigation Led Detectives to a Suspect
According to the probable cause statement, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from multiple locations and identified a white 2019 Buick Encore believed to have been involved in the shooting.
The vehicle is reportedly registered to Banks' girlfriend.
Police say surveillance cameras tracked the SUV as it traveled directly back to a residence in the 1000 block of Charles Street immediately after the shooting.
Investigators also reported seeing Banks in the front passenger seat of the Buick earlier that morning. Additional video allegedly showed him leaving his residence on foot just minutes after returning home before eventually making his way back to the shooting scene, where he was later picked up by the same vehicle.
Court documents state that Banks admitted to firing his gun multiple times in the area and acknowledged that someone had been struck. Investigators also allege he later disposed of the firearm.
The driver of the Buick reportedly told investigators Banks fired several shots and later admitted to her that he had shot someone.
Banks is currently being held on a $25,000 bond. His next scheduled court appearance is Tuesday morning before Buchanan County Associate Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie.
A Community Growing Tired of Violence
For many St. Joseph residents, this arrest brings some progress in a case that generated widespread concern. However, it also serves as another reminder of the violence that has become increasingly common throughout the city.
Over the past several months, St. Joseph has experienced a number of shootings, drive-by incidents, assaults involving firearms, and other violent crimes that have left neighborhoods shaken. Many of these incidents have occurred in residential areas, placing innocent families and bystanders at risk.
Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about gun violence becoming more frequent and more brazen, with shootings occurring not only late at night but also in areas where people live, work, and gather.
While investigators deserve credit for identifying and arresting suspects when evidence allows, many in the community continue asking the larger question: How can St. Joseph reduce the violence before another family is forced to experience tragedy?
Law enforcement can investigate crimes and make arrests, but lasting change will likely require cooperation between police, city leaders, community organizations, and residents who are willing to report criminal activity and invest in solutions that address the causes of violent crime.
As this case moves through the court system, it is important to remember that the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
St. Joseph Community Alert will continue following this case and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
UPDATE** Second Arrest Made in Connection With July 27 St. Joseph Drive-By Shootings
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