Workplace Violence in Bridgeton: Woman Shot by Coworker at Hussmann Corporation
Suspect in Custody, Victim Recovering After Late-Night Incident
BRIDGETON, MO — A disturbing act of workplace violence shook the quiet community of Bridgeton late Thursday night when a woman was shot multiple times by a coworker inside the Hussmann Corporation facility, located at 12999 St. Charles Rock Road. The violent incident unfolded following what authorities describe as a dispute that quickly escalated beyond words, leaving one employee hospitalized and another behind bars. Authorities swiftly identified and arrested the shooter as 51-year-old Charmain Martin, who was still on the scene when officers arrived.
Bridgeton Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene around 10:40 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired within the corporate building. When they arrived, officers discovered a female victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders provided immediate medical attention before transporting the victim to a nearby hospital. As of Friday morning, officials confirmed she is in stable condition, but the emotional and psychological toll of the incident is expected to be long-lasting.
According to police, Martin and the victim were both employees of Hussmann Corporation, a company known for manufacturing commercial refrigeration systems. The two reportedly became involved in a heated argument at work that culminated in the shooting.
Martin has been formally charged by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with:
- First-Degree Assault
- Armed Criminal Action
She is currently being held without bond at the St. Louis County Jail, with her bail set at $500,000. It remains unclear what the precise cause of the argument was or whether there had been any prior tension or incidents between the two coworkers. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine what may have led to such a violent confrontation.
In a statement released Friday morning, Bridgeton Police emphasized that the situation was quickly contained and that there is no ongoing threat to the public or other employees of the facility. They thanked Hussmann Corporation staff for their cooperation during the investigation and noted that the scene was secured shortly after officers arrived.
The Hussmann Corporation has not yet issued a formal public statement, but sources within the company have expressed deep concern and sadness over the incident. Employees who were on duty during the shooting are being offered counseling and support as they process the traumatic event.
Workplace violence, while still statistically rare, has been an increasing topic of concern across the country. This incident at Hussmann underscores the need for strong conflict resolution protocols, employee support systems, and security measures in professional environments.
Local leaders in Bridgeton have expressed solidarity with the victim and her family, as well as with the employees at Hussmann who are now grappling with the aftermath. Community members are calling for accountability, healing, and a deeper discussion about preventing workplace incidents before they escalate to violence.
As the investigation continues, police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Bridgeton Police Department directly. Authorities have not released the name of the victim at this time, respecting her privacy and the wishes of her family.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing interpersonal conflict, especially in the workplace, before it turns deadly. For now, Bridgeton mourns the trauma inflicted upon one of its own, and the legal system prepares to hold the accused accountable for her actions.