On May 25, 2026, two armed citizens reportedly intervened to stop a gunman outside a Price Chopper supermarket in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, following a shooting that left one woman dead and a teenage employee wounded. The incident unfolded shortly before 4:30 p.m., with authorities crediting the bystanders' swift actions with preventing additional casualties.
"Meet Allen Prince, who was arrested after he allegedly shot and k*lled a woman at a grocery store in MissouriAt the time of the shooting, Prince was out on bond from a PREVIOUS felony harassment charge, where he reportedly threatened to shoot his own family.He was released by…" — Libs of TikTok, X Post May 27, 2026.
Law enforcement officials stated that the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Allen Thomas Prince, was held at gunpoint by the two civilians until police arrived within minutes. According to witness accounts and court records, the two men acted independently but quickly moved to confront the threat after realizing a shooting was underway. One individual drew a handgun and advanced toward Prince, while another retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and joined the effort. Together, they reportedly took control of the scene and restrained the gunman.
Investigators detailed that Prince arrived at the parking lot armed with a .243 Winchester bolt-action rifle and opened fire near the front entrance of the store. The first victim, 45-year-old Amy Coon of Strasburg, Missouri, was fatally struck near her vehicle in the parking lot and pronounced dead at the scene. A 16-year-old Price Chopper employee was also hit while attempting to flee the gunfire and was transported to a hospital in stable condition, according to KSHB.
Witness statements describe Prince moving through the parking lot after the initial shots, scanning the area and firing additional rounds. At one point, he allegedly aimed toward a juvenile pushing shopping carts, though the shot missed, as reported by The Daily Caller. After being restrained by the armed civilians, Prince reportedly turned the rifle on himself, sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He survived, was hospitalized, and subsequently booked into the Cass County Jail without bond.
Court documents indicate that Prince had a prior case in 2025 involving threats to shoot a person. He was released on his own recognizance in that matter despite documented concerns by authorities, including references to mental health issues and prior firearm-related allegations. Records also show that Prince was legally prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the May 25 shooting due to pending legal conditions.
Prince has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and multiple counts of armed criminal action. His first court appearance took place on June 3, 2026, via video conference, where he did not enter a public statement. Prosecutors have not yet announced a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident has prompted local organizations to provide counseling services for witnesses and residents affected by the shooting, acknowledging the emotional toll such events can have in smaller communities unaccustomed to public violence. Authorities continue to emphasize the crucial role played by the armed citizens, stating that their intervention likely prevented further loss of life before law enforcement secured the scene.
The severity of the charges and the circumstances of Prince's prior release on bond, despite documented concerns and a legal prohibition on firearm possession, have drawn attention. The quick response of the armed citizens is being highlighted as a key factor in mitigating the tragedy.
