ST. LOUIS – Police are making connections between a terrifying series of events in two cities that involve armed teens, stolen cars and frightened families.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police have now confirmed that two carjackings and one car theft are connected. 

According to investigators, the theft of a Hyundai Santa Fe in Cahokia Heights was on April 6. 

That stolen suv was then driven into St. Louis—where it was used in a carjacking on Tower Grove Avenue. 

Surveillance footage showed two armed suspects holding a man at gunpoint outside his maroon Dodge Charger. 

One of them was carrying a distinct white backpack featuring a shark mouth graphic.

Moments later, that same charger was involved in another carjacking just miles away. 

Police confirmed that the suspects used the charger to steal a chrysler in District 6—within just two hours.

So far, one suspect is in custody.

“I can confirm to you that a 17-year-old from Cahokia Heights was arrested by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officers in connection to a section of these crimes but we are still looking for the additional two people, including that one individual that was wearing a very distinct-looking backpack,” said Mitch McCoy, director of Public Affairs and Information for SLMPD.

Cahokia Heights Police shared a third victim who is also connected to the recent events.

Erica McGee said that teens in a maroon Charger pointed guns at her and her son while they waited for the school bus.  

“A maroon charger pulls up in front of us like they the police and they just hop out and pull these guns on the side where my baby at in his face,” McGee said.

Her son, Juelz, also recounted the terrifying ordeal with FOX 2.

“I was about to almost cry because we almost lost our car, then my momma started crying,” he said.

Hours later, her vehicle was found abandoned near an apartment complex.

This event caused financial strains for the mother; Erica says that she has no transportation, car keys and insurance to cover the tow.

“Now that this happened, it did kind of put me in a financial debt because I literally don’t have any money to get it out,” she said.

Police are still searching for more suspects—including the getaway driver.

“We will throw the full weight of this police department into finding (the suspects) and making sure the juvenile court system holds you accountable,” McCoy said.

A GoFundMe exists for Erica McGee, as she is a single mother. She pleads for help to get Juelz to school and also continue her education.

The GoFundMe can be found here.

If you recognize anyone involved or have any tips, call CrimeStoppers immediately.