61-year-old arrested for brass knuckles attack in Tower Grove Park

ST. LOUIS – A 61-year-old was arrested this weekend for attacking people with brass knuckles in Tower Grove Park.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s probable cause statement, officers responded to calls for aid in the park and learned of the brass knucks attacks.

Police arrived to find the suspect, Austin J. Fitzgerald, 61, already in custody of park rangers.

The rangers had seized the brass knuckles from Fitzgerald and turned them over to officers for evidence.

Victims told police they were seated on a park bench east of the Chinese Pavilion when Fitzgerald walked up behind them and struck one of the victims in the head and chest. One victim attempted to intervene and was punched in the head for their troubles.

Police said bystanders tried restraining Fitzgerald. He allegedly tried to punch one bystander and bit another person.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Fitzgerald with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, and one count of unlawful possession of an illegal weapon. Fitzgerald is to be jailed without bond until he can make his first court appearance.