The “Most Dangerous City in America” became a very real concept for one Saint Louis University student on Tuesday, April 3.
According to a police report, at approximately 10:20 p.m. the victim was crossing the street at Lindell Boulevard and Vandeventer Avenue when an unidentified assailant attacked him from behind, armed with a knife.
The two got into a struggle, and after the victim hit his attacker several times, the assailant fled the scene on foot.
The SLU student, whose identity is being withheld for privacy purposes, sustained several minor cuts to his side, abdomen and fists, but he refused medical attention and did not have anything stolen from him.
The attack took place at 3860 Lindell Blvd., a short distance from the Vandeventer Apartments.
One of the residents, senior Eric Barr, was shocked to find out about the attack.
“It’s a very high-traffic area,” he said. “I walk there all the time.” Even so, he isn’t concerned about living on Vandeventer.
“Anytime you live in a city, there are inherent risks, but for the most part the area surrounding campus is pretty safe,” he said.
Barr is also the SGA’s chairman of the Committee for Civic Affairs and Facility Concerns, a committee that works very closely with the Department of Public Safety, among other organizations.
As such, Barr recommends that to avoid situations like these, students should stay in well-lit areas and walk in groups whenever possible.
“Use your head and remember that walking late at night is never going to be a good idea . It’s best not to put yourself in the situation where the opportunity [to attack] will present itself,” he said.
DPS’ school-wide report also reminds students to make the most of the student escort system.
Investigations into this matter are still under way by both the St. Louis Police Department and SLU’s DPS, though DPS Director Jack Titone was unavailable for comment at press time.
The police report stated that the suspect was male, approximately 5’10” to 5’11” and 130 to 140 pounds, wearing a blue “NY Giants” sweatshirt with black pants that had three vertical white stripes down the sides, black tennis shoes and a dark ski mask; however, DPS’ report suggested that the sweatshirt might actually have been black, and the stripes may have been on the pockets, as opposed to the sides of the pants.
An assault is considered to be of the second degree when a dangerous weapon is used in the attack.
If caught and convicted, those responsible for such attacks could face up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Police are still searching for the culprit, and anyone who spots the suspect is urged to call the police.
