It is unclear yet whether Phil is going to need surgery. The bone below his eye is broken, but it is right on the borderline of where they do surgery or not. He is going to see a specialist on Wednesday to get it evaluated, and we should know more then.
In the one moment of badassness that our family had last night, Dad was able to pull one of the kids off of Phil after they had knocked him down and circled him, and throw him to the ground.
I guess a little more detail might help understand the situation. We were walking back from the Metrolink, on the west side of DeBalivere, walking north. The group was on the east side when we came up from the ‘link. When we got to the entrance to the parking lot in front of Papa John’s, they crossed, flanked us, and then just started throwing punches. It looks like, after talking to everyone, at first they were just coming after me and Phil.
Anyway, I don’t really know what happened to Phil, so I’ll just say what happened to me. I took a few punches to the head, and lost my glasses pretty much right away. In my confusion I stumbled across a little grassy area into the parking lot, where I took some more punches and fell to the ground. Somehow I managed to get up, and made a b-line for the Papa John’s. While running there, I took some more punches to the head, but made it inside the Papa Johns where the employees locked the door. I made it in with Abby, and Thomas, an Austrian kid who had been jumped right before us. It is lucky that the door was locked, because they tried to break into the Papa Johns to get at us. Anyway, at that point I called the cops.
Apparently, out in the mayhem that was still happening after I escaped, mom yelled out asking where I was. Someone yelled that I had escaped and was calling the police, and that is when all of the guys fled. I hope that it is true that my actions caused the pain to stop, but really I’m just glad that it did stop. From what I understand, Phil was surrounded, and Dad tried to help him, while Abby, Mom and Helen… Honestly, I don’t know. Mom got hit. Abby lost her phone. I think that Helen got out with just a couple of little bruises. Dad lost his iPod. I eventually was able to find my glasses, and piece them back together. They are pretty ruined, but I’ve been able to use them today. I also have a burst blood vessel in my eye, some cuts and bruises around my head, and completely shaken sense of the world.
I also remember yelling things last night, but I have no clue what I was yelling. It is all such a blur.
This morning Kelly drove me, mom and Abby downtown, where we pressed charges against 2 of the guys who attacked us. Who knows if it is going to do anything, but it seemed like the right thing to do.
I think that’s about it right now. It’s still really hard to piece everything together, but that’s what I know.
7 Comments
I’m glad you pressed charges. I heard some talk of not doing it in case of retaliation, and of course I couldn’t begin to know your frame of mind and would respect any decision, but still, I’m glad you pressed charges. I hope they get these guys. Have you considered sending a tip to the Post Dispatch too? Maybe they’ll pick up the story on their own (a family of six attacked for no reason is a huge news story), but might hurt to alert them in case they somehow missed it on the blotters; maybe media attention would help put pressure on the police to get the guys.
Anyway, I’m just glad you’re all (physically, at least) okay. We’re thinking about you.
might NOT hurt to alert them, I mean.
I can’t even imagine how awful scary that would’ve been and how it has turned everything you think, know, and feel upside down and into some unbelievable reality. I did tell my parents, A., and I think Aunt D and M knows as well. I know us being involved is probably just more grief than help, but please let us know if there is anything we can do for you guys. You are definitely in our thoughts.
I am so sorry for your family and they are definitely in my prayers. I have also asked others to keep your family in their prayers, especially Phi, that he does not have to undergo surgery. I can only imagine what this has done to your family’s sense of security and how it will effect everyone in the future.
I am appalled at the attack you all suffered, you and your family are definitely in my prayers. I can’t imagine the pain and horror you must all be feeling. If there is anything I can do for any of you, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I applaud you all for taking the next step to prosecute, it is definitely the right thing to do. Things like this have to stop!
I’m with Alex; alert the media. I’m sure it can be handled anonymously. They need to beef up security on the link, no question about it. The fact that a family of six (not to mention the poor Austrian fellow) got assaulted in a fairly well-lit area next to the busiest, most popular park in the St. Louis area is an absolute outrage.
I agree, call the Post-Dispatch tip line 314-340-8222 or email the desk at metro@post-dispatch.com My thoughts are with you and your family. (friend of Ange)