ST. LOUIS, Missouri — A 19-year-old Missouri man has been arrested and charged after authorities say he opened fire on a family vehicle carrying a pregnant woman, her 2-year-old child, and the child’s father as they drove home from a routine maternity checkup.

According to police, the incident began at a gas station when the father of the family confronted the occupants of another vehicle who had allegedly cut him off in traffic. The confrontation appeared to end, but the family soon noticed the same vehicle — and possibly a second car — following them through traffic.

Moments later, shots were fired into the family’s car. The pregnant mother was struck in the back, while the father sustained injuries from shrapnel. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The 2-year-old child was not physically injured.

Anthony Lee-Armstrong, 19, has been identified as the suspect. He faces multiple charges, including assault and weapons-related offenses.

Police described the shooting as a senseless act of road rage that endangered an entire family returning from a prenatal appointment. Investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage and witness statements to determine if additional individuals were involved.

The victims’ names have not been released to protect their privacy. The pregnant mother and her unborn child are reported to be in stable condition.

This incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter measures against road rage violence in the region.