ST. ANN, MISSOURI — U Can Dance Studio has issued a statement following the shooting that erupted Saturday night at its St. Ann location, where a large gathering of young people was interrupted by gunfire that left two people wounded and an alleged shooter critically injured after being shot by police.
The incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, September 19, at the dance studio on Adie Road as hundreds of juveniles were gathered at the location.
Police said officers responding to reports of gunfire encountered a person allegedly firing multiple rounds into the crowd with what appeared to be an automatic firearm.
Two people were struck by gunfire. Their identities and medical conditions had not been publicly released.
U Can Dance Studio Responds
In its statement, U Can Dance Studio said the gathering occurred during a private rental event.
The studio said the rental agreement had been made for a maximum of 60 attendees. According to the studio, more than 300 additional people arrived without its knowledge or consent, with the overwhelming majority appearing to be teenagers.
The studio said the situation escalated quickly and beyond what its on-site representative could control.
U Can Dance also said it had been notified that gunfire occurred but that it did not have confirmed information about the circumstances because law enforcement was still investigating.
Saturday Night Shooting Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | U Can Dance Studio, St. Ann, Missouri |
| Address | 3570 Adie Road |
| Date | Saturday, September 19, 2026 |
| Time | Approximately 10:20–10:30 p.m. |
| Crowd | Approximately 400 juveniles reported by police |
| People shot | Two |
| Suspect | Identity not publicly released |
| Suspect condition | Critical after being shot by police |
| Police officers injured | None reported |
| Studio status | Closed until further notice |
| Investigation | Active |
Hundreds of Young People Were at the Gathering
Police estimated that approximately 400 juveniles were present when the shooting occurred.
The large crowd became a central part of the investigation because the gathering reportedly far exceeded the number of people anticipated under the studio’s rental agreement.
The event reportedly followed a concert at Hollywood Casino, although authorities have not indicated that the concert itself was connected to the shooting.
When officers arrived, police said they saw the suspect firing toward the crowd.
The suspect then fled from the immediate area toward a nearby residence, where people were reportedly taking cover.
Suspect Shot by Police
According to the preliminary police account, officers attempted to stop the suspect and gave him commands.
Investigators said the suspect turned toward officers while still holding the firearm and did not comply with commands.
An officer then fired, striking the suspect.
The suspect was treated and transported to a hospital in critical condition.
No police officers were reported injured.
The identities of the suspect, the two wounded victims and the officer who fired the shot have not been publicly released.
Officer-Involved Shooting Also Under Investigation
The police shooting is being investigated separately from the original gunfire.
The Maryland Heights Police Department is assisting with the officer-involved shooting investigation.
Investigators are expected to review physical evidence, witness accounts and available video as they reconstruct what happened from the moment the first shots were reported through the confrontation between the suspect and police.
The investigation remains preliminary, and additional details may change as authorities establish the sequence of events.
Studio Announces Closure and Security Changes
U Can Dance said its facility is currently closed until further notice while authorities conduct their investigation.
The studio also said the incident has prompted it to review its rental policies and screening procedures.
The business indicated that, although it has historically maintained an on-site representative during rental events, it now believes additional security measures will be necessary for future gatherings.
The studio said it has operated for more than 30 years and has sought to keep rental prices accessible to the community.
Two Victims Remain Unidentified
Police have confirmed that two people in the crowd were struck by gunfire.
However, authorities had not released their names, ages or medical conditions in the latest available reports.
No information has been released publicly indicating that either victim was killed.
The condition of the suspect, meanwhile, remained critical after the officer-involved shooting.
Investigation Continues in St. Ann
The shooting remains an active investigation involving St. Ann police and other agencies.
Authorities are working to determine what led to the initial gunfire, why the suspect allegedly began shooting into the crowd and what happened during the subsequent police confrontation.
The circumstances surrounding the large gathering and the number of people who attended are also part of the developing picture.
Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact the St. Ann Police Department at 314-427-8000.
As investigators continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence, additional information may be released about the victims, suspect, firearm and officer-involved shooting.
Disclaimer
This article is based on currently available information concerning the September 19, 2026 shooting at U Can Dance Studio in St. Ann, Missouri. The investigation remains ongoing, and preliminary accounts may be revised as additional evidence is reviewed. Identities, medical conditions, motives and other details may be updated by authorities as the investigation develops.