Police say a Sunday service block in St. Louis’ West End turned into a crime scene after a 41-year-old man allegedly pistol-whipped a 60-year-old outside a neighborhood church, leaving the older man bleeding from the head.
A St. Louis circuit court judge has signed an arrest warrant, and the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged the suspect with second-degree assault and armed criminal action. The attack was reported Friday in the 5800 block of Maple Avenue, according to authorities.
What police say
In a probable-cause statement, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department describes surveillance video that allegedly shows the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Terrell L. Porter, walking up to the victim’s vehicle before the situation escalates. When the 60-year-old man ran, Porter chased him, according to police.
Investigators say Porter then pulled a handgun, threatened the man, and struck him multiple times with the weapon. The blows left the victim with “several lacerations to his face and head” as he bled, according to FOX 2.
Suspect’s account and contradictions
Porter told detectives he confronted the man because the victim had allegedly made inappropriate comments to his wife. But that account appears to have hit a wall. According to the probable-cause statement, Porter’s wife contradicted his claim when she spoke to investigators.
Porter also told officers “he wasn't out to kill them,” a statement included in the case filing and reported by FOX 2.
Charges and next steps
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged Porter with second-degree assault and armed criminal action, and those counts are now pending in city court. A circuit court judge has signed the arrest warrant, though authorities have not yet released a court date or full bond information.
Police say the investigation is still active and are asking anyone with video or information about the incident to contact detectives.
