Marina
A shocking case in Hazelwood, Missouri, has drawn widespread attention after a man who appeared to be the victim of a violent carjacking is now facing prosecution himself.
On June 24, 2022, Phillip March was brutally attacked at a QuikTrip gas station and dragged by his own car during a desperate struggle.
Despite clear video evidence showing the assault, March has been charged with property damage while his attacker has largely avoided legal accountability.
The June 2022 QuikTrip Incident
In the early hours of June 24, 2022, surveillance footage showed March arriving at a QuikTrip in Hazelwood with Jamezz Block, a longtime acquaintance. What began as a late-night stop quickly spiraled into violence:
- March walked inside the store seeking help, while Block allegedly grabbed at his car keys.
- A brutal fight broke out, with March being punched, kicked, and overpowered.
- Block snatched the keys, jumped into March’s red Mustang, and attempted to drive away.
- In desperation, March leapt through the driver’s side window to stop him, sparking a seven-minute struggle inside the moving vehicle.
- The battle ended when the car slammed into a wall behind the Hazelwood Police Department.
Legal Fallout: When the Victim Becomes the Defendant
Instead of being treated as a victim, March soon found himself under prosecution.
| Charge | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Under the Influence (DWI) | Initially charged, based on officer reports of intoxication. | Dropped in 2024 before trial. |
| Property Damage | Accused of causing $10,000 damage to the police building. | Ongoing, trial scheduled. |
| Attacker’s Accountability | Block, who attacked March, has largely avoided trial proceedings. | Unresolved. |
March rejected plea deals, including an offer to plead guilty to illegal parking in exchange for dropping the property damage charge. He maintains he was the victim and insists on proving his innocence in court.
Evidence and Injuries
March sustained visible injuries during the altercation, including:
- A knocked-out tooth and another chipped tooth.
- Cuts and bruises to his forehead and nose.
- Lasting physical and emotional trauma.
Despite this, reports focused on alleged alcohol use, with police claiming March appeared impaired. Hospital records, however, described his behavior as normal, raising doubts about the prosecution’s case.
Why the Case Raises Questions
This case has sparked debate over victim rights and the fairness of local prosecutions. March has filed a $25 million civil lawsuit against the City of Hazelwood and several officers, citing malicious prosecution and abuse of process.
Critics argue the timing of new charges, filed after March announced his lawsuit, suggests retaliation. Others question why Block, the alleged attacker, has not faced similar legal pursuit despite clear video evidence of his actions.
What’s Next for March
March is preparing to represent himself in trial for the property damage charge. If convicted, he faces up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Meanwhile, his civil lawsuit is set for February and seeks damages for misconduct and wrongful prosecution.
The case of Phillip March highlights the troubling possibility of a victim becoming a defendant in the very system meant to protect him.
The outcome will not only decide March’s personal fate but could also shape future conversations about how Missouri handles cases involving clear video evidence, self-defense, and prosecutorial responsibility.