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Gateway Arch Robberies Lead to Charges
ST. LOUIS – In a brazen crime that shook the nation, two St. Louis teens have been charged in connection with a Gateway Arch robbery that took place on September 13, 2021. Christopher Franklin, 19, and Kaniya Sloan, 18, are accused of aiding and abetting a robbery on federal territorial jurisdiction and accessory after the fact of a robbery on federal territorial jurisdiction.
According to charging documents, the crime occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. when a suspect pointed a black handgun at a male and female victim on the grounds of the Gateway Arch. The female victim complied with the demands of the suspect and handed over her purse, while the male victim handed over his iPhone and wallet.
SLMPD officers worked with the Federal Park Service to obtain and review surveillance footage from the area to identify the robber. Detectives followed up on several leads which resulted in the arrests of Sloan and Franklin along with a juvenile suspect on September 15, 2021, in the City of St. Louis.
The charges against Franklin and Sloan are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Park Service.
Franklin and Sloan are currently facing federal charges, but the identity of the juvenile suspect has not been released due to their age. The Gateway Arch robbery has sent shockwaves through the community, and the arrests of the teens are a welcome development for those seeking justice.
The Gateway Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The robbery has raised concerns about safety and security in the area, and officials are working to ensure that the Arch remains a safe destination for tourists.
The case against Franklin and Sloan is ongoing, and their next court appearance has not been scheduled. The investigation is still active, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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