St. Louis police are asking residents to help track down a man they say blasted a 49-year-old with what officers believe was bear spray in a parking lot in the 1500 block of North 13th Street on Sunday evening. Detectives have released a photo along with a detailed description of the suspect and are urging anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers or the department directly.
Suspect description released
According to officers, the suspect is described as a Black man roughly 50 to 60 years old with a gray beard and glasses. He was reportedly wearing several necklaces, a watch, a black baseball cap, a blue shirt, blue jeans and white-and-orange Nike shoes. That description, along with the released photo, was featured in the department alert and in local coverage, according to KMOV.
Where it happened and the investigation
Police say the assault happened around 6 p.m. in the parking lot of Salama Supermarket in the 1500 block of North 13th Street, and detectives are still working to determine why the 49-year-old was sprayed. Investigators have asked any witnesses, especially those who may have cellphone video or surveillance footage, to come forward in a Facebook post from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
How to tip
Anyone with information is asked to call SLMPD detectives at 314-444-2500 or submit an anonymous tip to St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-8477. Tips can also be sent online or via the P3 Tips app. The regional Crime Stoppers group lists its hotline and web-tip options on its site, according to St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers.
Legal notes
The department’s public notice states that the suspect is wanted on suspicion of third-degree assault, and the post does not indicate whether formal charges or an arrest warrant have been issued. Detectives are warning anyone who recognizes the man in the photo not to approach him and instead contact authorities immediately, as stated in the department’s Facebook alert from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
