Marina
In a bold and disconcerting incident in South St. Louis, local police have launched a search for a woman accused of an armed robbery and assault.
The victim—a 29-year-old woman—was sitting quietly in her car when the suspect reached in with a knife, threatened her, and stabbed her in both the neck and hand after a struggle.
The assailant then fled with the victim’s purse and money. This case has rattled area residents and underscored concerns about safety in the community.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what we know so far, the suspect description, the investigation status, and what you can do if you have information.
What Happened: Incident Overview
On a recent morning, authorities responded to reports of a violent robbery and stabbing in the 3700 block of Chippewa in the Dutchtown / South St. Louis area.
The 29-year-old victim told police she was in her vehicle when a female suspect approached, brandishing a knife, commanding her not to move. When the victim attempted to disarm or push away the blade, she was stabbed—suffering wounds to the neck and hand.
She managed to flee the immediate scene but was later transported to hospital in serious but stable condition. She has since been released from critical care.
The suspect, dressed entirely in all black and wearing a blue surgical mask, fled the scene quickly—contrary to earlier witness reports suggesting a purple mask.
Witnesses added that just prior to the assault, they saw the suspect visit a nearby nail shop, possibly as a staging move or to conceal identity. The suspect left with the victim’s purse and cash.
Police have released a surveillance image of the suspect and are asking the public for help. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS, where tips may remain anonymous and potentially be eligible for a reward.
Key Case Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 3700 block of Chippewa, Dutchtown / South St. Louis |
| Victim Age & Gender | 29-year-old woman |
| Injuries | Stab wounds to neck and hand |
| Suspect Clothing | All black outfit, blue surgical mask |
| Alternate Witness Claim | Purple mask reported initially |
| Activity Before Attack | Seen going to a nail shop before assault |
| Taken by Suspect | Purse and money |
| Victim Status | Hospitalized, later released |
| Tip Line | CrimeStoppers — 866-371-TIPS (anonymous possible) |
Suspect Description & Behavior
Investigators emphasize that the blue surgical mask is a key detail in the suspect’s disguise, which helps narrow down leads. Her all-black attire suggests premeditation—likely an effort to remain inconspicuous.
That said, the conflicting early reports of a purple mask highlight how quickly witness perceptions can shift during high-stress crimes.
Her appearance at a local nail shop just prior to the assault suggests she might have planned to blend into foot traffic or alter her appearance moments before the crime. Police believe that the interaction may help investigators trace her route or identify potential surveillance footage.
Community Reaction & Safety Concerns
Residents in the area expressed surprise and alarm. Many hedge that while they’ve seen masked individuals strolling around in sweatsuits, violent crimes of this nature are rare in the neighborhood. One resident remarked:
“I’ve always walked my dog out here. Things like this don’t usually happen.”
Another commented on the shock of the incident, saying:
“Honestly, I’m not sure what’s going on with that.”
Given that the assault occurred in broad daylight in a public space, many locals are now rethinking safety routines and community vigilance.
Investigation Status & Next Steps
- The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) and District 1 detectives are actively investigating the case, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and tracing the suspect’s movements around the time of the crime.
- Tipsters who remain anonymous but provide leading information may qualify for a cash CrimeStoppers reward.
- Authorities have asked for any video footage from nearby homes, businesses, dashcams, or smartphones that might have captured the suspect’s route or image.
- Investigators are exploring connections between the suspect’s movements and local businesses such as the nail shop, possibly to trace her path before and after the assault.
- Residents are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious female matching that description.
The armed robbery and assault in South St. Louis on the 3700 block of Chippewa is a chilling reminder that violent crime can strike suddenly—even in communities where residents feel safe. A 29-year-old woman was stabbed in the neck and hand after resisting the suspect’s knife threat.
Now, with the suspect still on the loose—seen in all black with a blue surgical mask—police are calling on the public to help close the case. If you live nearby or were in the area around the time of the crime, check your cameras, revisit your memory, and step forward with any information.
In events like these, community vigilance and collective action become critical tools in helping bring justice—and closure—to victims.