Executive Summary
- Marvin Q. Perkins and Perry C. Harris charged with vehicle hijacking and first-degree robbery.
- Perkins allegedly fired two shots during the theft, nearly striking a bystander.
- St. Louis City Police apprehended the suspects hours later, recovering a defaced pistol.
- Both suspects are held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
CLAYTON, Mo. — Two men have been taken into custody and charged in connection with the armed carjacking of a DoorDash delivery driver on Valentine’s Day, an incident involving gunfire that nearly struck a bystander.
According to probable cause statements filed by the St. Ann Police Department, officers responded to a report of a shooting and vehicle theft at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities have identified the suspects as Marvin Q. Perkins and Perry C. Harris.
Police reports indicate that the delivery driver arrived at the location in a 2023 Kia Sportage when Perkins exited a separate vehicle, brandishing a handgun. Investigators stated that Perkins demanded money from the driver. When the victim replied that he had no money but offered the keys to the vehicle, Perkins allegedly discharged the firearm.
St. Ann Police said Perkins fired two shots near the victim. While both shots missed the driver, one bullet reportedly ricocheted off the sidewalk, narrowly missing a bystander. Following the discharge of the weapon, Perkins allegedly took the victim’s keys and fled in the stolen Kia, while Harris drove away in the accompanying vehicle.
Law enforcement officials in St. Ann disseminated descriptions of the stolen Kia and the suspect vehicle to surrounding agencies. Officers with the St. Louis City Police Department located the suspects’ vehicle shortly after 2 a.m. the following morning. Both men were arrested at that time.
During the arrest, police reportedly recovered property belonging to the victim. Additionally, Perkins was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson pistol with a defaced serial number. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Perkins with vehicle hijacking, first-degree robbery, and two counts of armed criminal action. Harris faces charges of vehicle hijacking, first-degree robbery, and two counts of accessory to armed criminal action.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Judicial and Public Safety Context
Both defendants are currently held on a $500,000 cash-only bond, a figure that typically reflects a judicial assessment of high flight risk or significant danger to the community, particularly given the alleged discharge of a firearm in a public setting. This incident underscores the operational necessity of rapid data sharing between municipal police departments, as the coordination between St. Ann and St. Louis City authorities facilitated the apprehension of the suspects within hours of the crime.
