Who is involved? Steven English, a resident of Hazelwood, Missouri, with a prior felony record, and an unnamed Black male neighbor. What happened? English was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action following an unprovoked, racially charged confrontation. He allegedly threatened the victim with racial slurs, asked “Are you ready to die?”, and attempted to strike him with a heavy metal rod. Where and when? The incident occurred on June 26, 2026, inside a shared apartment complex in St. Louis County, Missouri. Current status: English failed to flee the scene before police arrived, and the victim captured parts of the encounter on a cellphone video. No weapons were found on the victim despite English’s claims of self-defense. English remains held at the St. Louis County Justice Center on a $150,000 cash-only bond.
St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: St. Louis County Convicts Steven English of First-Degree Assault; Prior Felon Faces Decades Behind Bars for Armed Hate Crime
In Hazelwood, Missouri, where the summer heat is high, A sudden flash of hatred underneath the June-time sky. Steven English stepped into a hall he shouldn’t trace, Bringing words of malice to a neighbor in the space. An unprovoked encounter, a stranger in the zone, The victim stood his ground with nothing but a phone. A barrage of racial slurs, a heavy metal rod, He asked him, “Are you ready?” as he stepped across the squad.
But justice doesn’t slumber when the cameras roll and press, The hate you try to scatter only leaves a heavy mess. No weapon on the victim, just the truth that came to light, Now a hundred-fifty thousand keeps you locked up in the night.
He swung the heavy iron, but the target slipped away, The phone was recording every word he had to say. The suspect tried to vanish, threw the metal in the street, But the officers were waiting, and they caught him on the beat. He claimed there was a firearm, tried to spin a different view, But the evidence was solid, and the fabrications blew. With a history of violence and a past he couldn’t hide, He’s sitting in the county center, trapped on the inside.
From heartbreaking losses to shocking crimes, these stories paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing our communities. Let’s hope for justice, healing, and a safer tomorrow.
St. Louis Crime Chime: Partnering for a Safer Community
The St. Louis Crime Chime is evolving into a mission-driven organization dedicated to partnering with local public safety agencies and community-focused media, such as The Evening Whirl and Real STL News, to shine a light on social and violence-related issues. Our goal is to provide resources that support both victims and perpetrators of traumatic events, fostering healing and prevention within our community.
Through its St. Louis Crime Chime section. This essential platform empowers residents by highlighting emerging threats and safety concerns, encouraging vigilance and informed decision-making. Beyond reporting, it holds individuals and institutions accountable by keeping arrests and legal proceedings in the public eye, promoting transparency and urging neighbors to protect and support one another.
While the headlines often confront difficult truths, they also serve as a rallying cry for action. By staying informed through reliable sources and official police data, residents can move beyond fear and take an active role in prevention and community-building efforts. Together, we can transform awareness into meaningful change, helping St. Louis write a safer, more hopeful chapter for all.
What You Can Do
- Get Mental Health resources help for you and your family
- For daily updates, check the SLMPD Crime and Investigations page.
- For anonymous tips to the St. Louis police, use the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for free and confidential support. We provide free & confidential support to people in crisis for any reason, 24 hours a day.
- StopBullying.gov: Offers resources and help lines, including options for youth and veterans (Dial 988 then press 1).
- Protect our children: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can.htm
Stay tuned, stay safe, and remember: “If it’s crime you seek, we’ve got the streak.
#StLouisCrime #HazelwoodMO #JusticeSystem
