Anthione Lamont Hawkins, Assaulting an Officer, Missouri 2021

ST. LOUIS, Missouri — In a disturbing incident at the Gateway Arch National Park, a man from East St. Louis has admitted to attacking park rangers.

Anthione Lamont Hawkins, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an officer in front of U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry.

Hawkins admitted that on February 28, 2021, park rangers made a lawful traffic stop of a vehicle in the Old Cathedral parking lot. Hawkins was behind the wheel. An open beer bottle was in the vehicle, and an open beer carton was in the backseat.

Hawkins provided his name to the rangers but refused to provide identification and refused to keep his hands on the steering wheel before becoming confrontational. He admitted that he had been drinking.

When rangers tried to handcuff Hawkins, he struggled and resisted, stomping on one ranger’s foot and kicking him in the leg. When rangers tried to put him in a patrol vehicle, he kicked a ranger in the face. During a struggle in jail, Hawkins grabbed a different ranger by the throat.

Hawkins faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both on each count when he is sentenced on March 23.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.

At the time of the incident, Hawkins was in possession of an open beer bottle and an open beer carton in the vehicle. This suggests that he was under the influence of alcohol and posed a threat to the safety of those around him.

Hawkins’ actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others. His decision to plead guilty is a step in the right direction, but he still faces significant consequences for his actions.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following the law and respecting the authority of law enforcement officers.

Hawkins will be sentenced on March 23 and could face up to eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both on each count.

The case is a prime example of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that they face the consequences of their crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is leading the prosecution in this case.

The Gateway Arch National Park is a popular tourist destination, and incidents like this one serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for visitors.

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