A 48-year-old man is behind bars after what authorities describe as a violent attack that left a 15-year-old girl choked and an adult woman injured in north St. Louis on Saturday. Investigators identified the suspect as Anthony James and say the confrontation unfolded in the Greater Ville neighborhood near parked cars on the 3900 block of Labadie Avenue. Police say a 2-year-old nephew was close by during the chaos, and James is being held without bond. Prosecutors have taken the case for possible charges.
What police say
According to Fox 2, officers were called to the 3900 block of Labadie Avenue after witnesses reported a man assaulting a woman and a teenage girl. Investigators allege James struck the woman in the head, pulled her hair, and tried to pull up her dress while reaching underneath in an attempt to touch her genitals. They also say he placed a hand on the 15-year-old’s throat and began choking her. The outlet reports James initially ran off when a family member came outside but was later detained by responding officers.
Charges and statement
Per the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office, prosecutors charged Anthony James with first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy, third-degree assault, and fourth-degree assault, according to Fox 2. The station reports James remains locked up without bond as he awaits prosecution. Fox 2 also quotes James after his arrest saying, “I did it; I'm guilty.”
Neighborhood context
The 3900 block of Labadie has seen recent violence. On May 3, a shooting on the same stretch of street left two people injured, underscoring persistent safety concerns in the Greater Ville area. Police responded to that earlier incident on the block, according to First Alert 4.
What's next
Prosecutors are expected to move the case through the St. Louis court system while investigators continue gathering evidence. Officials have not released further information as the investigation remains active.
