ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Two 20-year-old women are charged with felony assault after allegedly attacking an off-duty police officer working security at a North St. Louis County business around 2:30 a.m. Court documents identify the women as Nayonna Griffin and Shania Lewis. The officer was taken to the hospital, and a $100,000 cash-only bond has been set for each woman. The incident has drawn wide attention online after video of the struggle spread on social media.
Court Documents Detail Alleged Attack on Off-Duty Officer
According to court documents, Griffin allegedly threw items at the officer during the early morning incident at the business. When he approached, Lewis allegedly threw him to the ground and punched him repeatedly.
Griffin is then accused of stomping on the officer’s head while he was down. The officer, who was on the ground at the time, was later taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Suspect Allegedly Reached for Officer’s Gun During Struggle
Lewis is also accused of grabbing for the officer’s firearm during the struggle. The gun remained secured in its holster throughout the attack, preventing a potentially far more dangerous outcome.
When backup officers arrived at the scene, Griffin allegedly continued resisting by pulling the officer’s hair, kicking, and trying to run. Both women were eventually taken into custody at the scene.
Both Women Face Felony Assault and Resisting Arrest Charges
Griffin and Lewis, both 20, are each charged with felony assault and felony resisting arrest. Bond for each woman was set at $100,000, cash only. The cash-only requirement means the full amount must be paid for release.
The charges are allegations, and both women are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Details on the officer’s injuries and his current condition have not been released by authorities.
Video of Struggle Outside Business Spreads Online
Footage shared online shows people grappling near the glass doors of the business at night. The clip has drawn strong reactions across social media, with the poster urging that the bond stay in place.
The name of the business and the officer’s department have not been publicly identified. The case now moves forward in St. Louis County court, where both women will have the chance to respond to the charges.
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