A 40-year-old man from Spanish Lake is behind bars after a woman told police she was violently attacked in St. Louis’ Hyde Park neighborhood. Investigators say the assault happened Thursday in the 3900 block of North 23rd Street. The woman suffered scratches on her hands, knees, chest, and arms, and managed to flag down a passing driver, who took her to a police station so she could report the attack.
According to FOX2, which cited a probable cause statement, the suspect, identified as Gilbert Vasser Jr., allegedly ordered an acquaintance to remove her jacket, shirt, and bra, then pulled her from a car and dragged her across the ground. The statement says he groped her, put his mouth on her breasts, and hit her with a metal drink tumbler while trying to pull off her pants. He then allegedly took her phone and watch and drove away.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged Vasser with first-degree attempted rape, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree kidnapping, and second-degree assault. He was arrested Saturday and is being held without bond while he awaits a future court appearance.
What The Charges Could Mean
Under Missouri law, rape in the first degree, as well as an attempt to commit first-degree rape, is a felony that can be punished by life in prison or a prison term of at least five years, with limited chances for probation, according to the Revisor of Missouri Statutes. Depending on how prosecutors pursue the case and whether any sentencing enhancements apply, a conviction could translate into decades behind bars.
Criminal History Noted In Charging Papers
Court filings and reporting indicate Vasser has a lengthy criminal record. He has prior convictions in St. Louis County for robbery and armed criminal action, along with a federal weapons conviction. Charging documents also point to earlier convictions in Georgia for forcible rape, aggravated assault, and felonious restraint, according to FOX2…