Man in cuffs after allegedly shooting teen who stole restaurant's tip jar, assaulted customer

A teen in St. Louis allegedly stole a tip jar from a restaurant and assaulted a customer, leading one of the eatery's owners to try and save the day by opening fire.

Now, the shooter faces criminal charges, police say.

According to authorities, the 16-year-old and another teen caused a disturbance inside a Utah Station restaurant.

The teens left the restaurant, but the 16-year-old stole a tip jar on his way out the door, police said.

News 4 reported a witness said a group of customers followed the teens out of the restaurant.

This is when the teens stopped, turned around and started walking towards the customers, police said.

Authorities said the 16-year-old shoved a 56-year-old customer to the ground and started beating on him. The restaurant co-owner left the business and then shot the 16-year-old, officials said.

The assaulted customer is a frequent visitor to the restaurant and a friend of the co-owner, who was just “protecting his friend,' a witness told News 4.

Authorities said they arrested Sam Bauer, 52, on suspicion of first-degree assault, but the case is still under investigation and the evidence has not been given to prosecutors. 

Prosecutors will decide if the shooting was justified, police said.

The 16-year-old was taken to a local hospital and listed in stable condition, officials said.