ST. LOUIS, MO – Authorities allege that a 61-year-old man embarked on a violent spree over two days in a city park, kidnapping two women and attacking others with brass knuckles before being taken into custody.
According to court documents, Austin Fitzgerald faces 14 criminal counts, including kidnapping, sexual abuse, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon. Investigators say the incidents unfolded at Tower Grove Park between August 1 and August 2 and left several victims physically and emotionally shaken.
The first reported assault occurred Friday, when Fitzgerald allegedly approached two women from behind in the park. Documented in police records, he was reportedly armed with what appeared to be a black handgun and told the women they were coming with him. When one woman resisted, Fitzgerald is accused of forcibly grabbing her arm and ordering her to leave in her own vehicle. Meanwhile, authorities say he compelled the second woman to get inside his car.
The situation escalated when, as described in court papers, Fitzgerald drove away with the second woman, threatening her and allegedly committing sexual assault. Officials say he removed part of the victim’s clothing, groped her, and made threats of further harm. He is also accused of stealing her purse and demanding cash.
The woman managed to flee the vehicle during the ordeal. Bystanders witnessed the incident, and one captured part of it on video, which police later collected as evidence. Witnesses also provided statements that supported the victims’ accounts.
Responding officers found the two women visibly distressed, according to police records. Both were transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Investigators say that the violence continued into the next day. Early Saturday, Fitzgerald allegedly attacked four people who were sitting on a park bench, striking them in the head and chest with brass knuckles. In the ensuing chaos, authorities say he also bit another individual who intervened, leaving a bruise and clear teeth marks.
Park rangers in the area quickly responded to the commotion. When officers arrived, Fitzgerald was already being held by rangers, who had confiscated a pair of brass knuckles. He was subsequently booked into the St. Louis City Justice Center.
Both women from the alleged Friday attack later identified Fitzgerald as the suspect in a police photo lineup, further strengthening the case against him. Law enforcement officials documented in their reports that they consider Fitzgerald a continued threat to the community, noting the multiple violent offenses committed on separate occasions.
Fitzgerald appeared in court Tuesday, where a judge ordered him held without bond. He was scheduled for an initial hearing on Wednesday.
As of Wednesday, Fitzgerald remained in custody pending further proceedings. Police continue to investigate the sequence of events, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.