5 On Your Side: Spencer’s gun bill “allowed officers to seize” guns on a downtown rooftop overlooking July 4 parade route
Last Thursday, thousands of people celebrating Independence Day along the parade route in downtown St. Louis were unknowingly being watched by an armed wanted man. St. Louis police responded to a report of a suspicious individual on the rooftop of a parking garage at 604 Pine Street, which overlooks Kiener Plaza and Market Street, areas bustling with paradegoers and protesters.
Officers arrested Trentston Sappington, a 23-year-old from Granite City, who was found armed and observing the large crowds gathered for the festivities. Sappington, who lacked a concealed carry permit, violated the city's new open carry ban. This ordinance, introduced by 8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer, enabled officers to confiscate his weapons and hold them as evidence while prosecutors review potential charges.