Two Missouri women are facing serious felony charges after allegedly launching a violent attack on an off-duty police officer at a gas station, repeatedly punching him, stomping on his head, and attempting to grab his handgun as bystanders recorded the disturbing confrontation.
Shaniya Lewis and Nayonna Griffin, both 20, were arrested following the October 11 attack at a QuikTrip in Spanish Lake, just outside St. Louis.
The victim, a rookie officer with the Hillsdale Police Department, was working an off-duty security shift when the confrontation erupted around 2:30 a.m.
According to court documents, the trouble began when Griffin allegedly started throwing items at the officer. As he approached her, Lewis intervened, struggled with him, and threw him to the ground.
What happened next was captured on cellphone and surveillance video.
Investigators say Lewis repeatedly punched the officer while Griffin stomped on his head as he lay on the floor.
During the struggle, Lewis allegedly reached for the officer’s holstered handgun and attempted to remove it.
Fortunately, she was unable to get the weapon free.
When additional officers arrived, Griffin allegedly continued fighting, grabbing the injured officer’s hair, kicking, flailing, and attempting to escape while refusing to place her hands behind her back.
The officer was eventually taken to a hospital with injuries that included bruising and bite marks. Police said his injuries were not life-threatening, and he was expected to recover.
But Hillsdale Assistant Police Chief Lt. Col. Herb Simmons said the confrontation could have ended far more tragically.
Speaking to KSDK, Simmons expressed concern about the suspects allegedly attempting to disarm the officer during the struggle.
“They were trying to take his weapon, stuff off his belt. It could have went totally different,” he said.
Simmons also criticized witnesses who appeared more interested in recording the attack than helping stop it.
“I wish that somebody would intervene,” he told the station, questioning why people stood by filming instead of attempting to help.
He praised the injured officer for showing restraint despite being outnumbered and physically attacked.
“He’s only been with us a short period of time, but he’s a hard worker,” Simmons said, describing the rookie as dependable and willing to respond whenever needed.
Investigators are reviewing approximately four minutes of store surveillance footage, along with cellphone recordings that have circulated widely on social media.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith also condemned the alleged attack after reviewing the footage.
“I was absolutely horrified and startled by the video,” Smith told First Alert 4.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
Prosecutors have charged both women with second-degree assault involving a special victim. Lewis also faces an attempted disarming charge, while Griffin faces a felony resisting-arrest charge, according to the prosecutor’s latest account.
Assaulting a law enforcement officer under Missouri’s special-victim provisions can carry a prison sentence of five to 15 years if convicted.
Both women made their initial court appearances Tuesday and remained jailed on $100,000 cash-only bonds.
They are scheduled to return to court October 20 for bond hearings.
Smith said the officer was recovering at home and expected to return to duty in the coming days.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives review the recordings and other evidence surrounding the confrontation.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.