Dispute escalates to attack at Saint Louis Zoo; suspects wanted

ST. LOUIS – One woman was hurt and two suspects are wanted after a dispute escalated to an attack at the Saint Louis Zoo over the weekend.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reports that officers responded to an assault around 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the zoo that reportedly involved five people.

Investigators say one female suspect was using profanities toward a child at the zoo before the child’s mother confronted her. A short time later, the suspect allegedly slapped the mother in the head.

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After that, police say the mother’s husband intervened and tried to protect her by punching the alleged perpetrator. Then, the second suspect, a man, grabbed the husband’s shirt and attempted to punch him but missed.

At some point, investigators say the male suspect grabbed “a plastic cup filled with liquid” and threw it at the head of a 9-year-old boy, who was an innocent bystander. Moments later, the two suspects left the scene of the assault.

Police say the mother who confronted the suspect about profanities suffered bruises and needed medical attention at the scene. No other significant injuries were reported.

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Police described the suspects as:

• A white woman, 40-50 years old, around 5’6” to 5’8” and over 200 pounds with red hair. She was previously seen wearing a black tank top and jeans.

• A white man, 20-25 years old, around 5’9” and 110 pounds. He was previously seen wearing a gray shirt with a newspaper logo, grey pants, and a black hat.

Police have not released any surveillance photos of the wanted suspects.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is handling the investigation. If you have any relevant information on the attack or the suspects’ whereabouts, contact SLMPD’s non-emergency line at 314-231-1212.

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