Teenager shot after allegedly stealing tip jar in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (AP) – A 16-year-old boy is hospitalized in stable condition after being shot soon after allegedly stealing the tip jar at a St. Louis restaurant and being confronted by a customer.

The shooting happened Thursday after the teenager and an acquaintance were asked to leave the restaurant for causing a disturbance.

The teen allegedly grabbed the tip jar on the way out. A 56-year-old customer confronted him outside the restaurant.

Police say the teen shoved the man to the ground and began beating him. A 52-year-old man intervened, shooting the teenager in the abdomen. The gunman was arrested.

Jail records show he has been released from jail.