Man Charged in Saint Paul Gas Station Shooting
A 22-year-old West Saint Paul man faces felony charges after allegedly shooting two men during a confrontation at a St. Paul gas station on Sunday.
Antonio Allen Ellis has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon causing substantial bodily harm, according to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court.
St. Paul police were called to the ARCO gas station at 306 Larpenteur Avenue at 7:03 a.m. on December 29 after reports of a shooting. Officers located two victims: a 33-year-old man suffering a gunshot wound to his left knee, and a 34-year-old man who was shot in the lower back. One victim was found in a white SUV at the intersection of Wheelock Parkway and Mississippi Street, while another was down by the gas pumps.
Previously: VIDEO: 2 Shot in Saint Paul Convenience Store Dispute
A store employee identified Ellis, a co-worker, as the shooter. According to the employee, one of the men entered the store behaving erratically and claimed the store’s merchandise was “free” for him. An argument ensued between Ellis and the man, escalating into a physical fight outside. Surveillance footage showed the second individual exiting a vehicle and joining the fight, during which Ellis reportedly pulled a handgun and fired multiple rounds at the two men as they attempted to flee.
Police recovered 14 spent 10mm shell casings near the store’s entrance and a Glock 10mm magazine behind a dumpster enclosure. Officers later located a Glock 10mm firearm discarded east of the gas station. Surveillance video confirmed the sequence of events, showing Ellis drawing his firearm after being struck and firing as the victims retreated. Neither of the gunshot victims were armed during the altercation.
Ellis turned himself in to police later that day but declined to be interviewed. Court records show Ellis has a prior felony conviction and does not have a permit to carry a firearm.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for each count.
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