A couple from St. Louis, Mitchell and Michelle Stonebarger, were viciously attacked earlier this week while visiting the Las Vegas Strip to celebrate their anniversary. The incident has left them shaken, as they believe they narrowly escaped a much worse outcome. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the assault.
A Simple Anniversary Celebration Turns Violent
Mitchell and Michelle Stonebarger had traveled from St. Louis to Las Vegas for a celebratory weekend marking their anniversary. Like many tourists, they were capturing their experiences on camera when a seemingly harmless situation took a sudden and violent turn. According to Mitchell, the trouble began when he was filming in a public area on the Strip. Two men appeared to take offense to being recorded, even though they were in a location where filming is common and allowed.
The men, described as large and hostile, began to approach Mitchell aggressively, seemingly upset about being caught on camera. Although the couple tried to de-escalate the situation, their attempts were in vain. The men’s aggression only intensified as they followed the couple.
A Brutal Attack on the Las Vegas Strip
The attack escalated quickly. Mitchell recalls that the two men punched him, causing him to fall to the ground. He was then repeatedly struck while lying in the fetal position, defenseless against their blows. During the assault, one of the attackers forcefully grabbed Mitchell’s camera, which was valued at $700, and smashed it onto the ground. Mitchell expressed disbelief at the level of violence, stating that the men seemed intent on severely injuring him, if not worse.
For Michelle, the terror of the situation was equally overwhelming. While witnessing her husband being beaten, she suffered a medical episode. Adding to the trauma, despite being surrounded by a large crowd, the couple noted that not a single bystander stepped in to help or check if they were okay. This lack of intervention from onlookers left them disheartened and deeply unsettled.
Police Investigation and the Aftermath
Immediately after the attack, the Stonebargers contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to report the incident. They attempted to track down their attackers and believe they may have identified the hotel where the men were staying. The police have since launched an investigation into the assault. However, as of now, no arrests have been made, and the identities of the attackers remain unknown.
The couple expressed their disbelief that such an incident could occur over a seemingly harmless video. Mitchell emphasized that the men’s aggression appeared unprovoked, apart from their dislike of being filmed. He reflected on the randomness of the attack and the unpredictable danger they faced during what should have been a peaceful trip.
Warning to Other Visitors
In light of their experience, the Stonebargers are urging caution to anyone visiting Las Vegas. Although tourists are often warned about potential dangers outside of the Strip, Mitchell and Michelle now believe that violence can erupt anywhere, even in the heart of the city’s main tourist destination. They caution others to remain aware of their surroundings, even in seemingly safe, public areas.
Mitchell advised future visitors to be especially mindful of their distance from potential threats and to take precautions to avoid confrontations, no matter how innocuous a situation may appear. He emphasized the unpredictability of the encounter, stating that even something as simple as filming in a public place can spark hostility from strangers.
No Plans to Return to Las Vegas
The attack has left a lasting impression on the Stonebargers, who say they have no plans to return to Las Vegas anytime soon. Despite the couple’s love for travel and exploration, the traumatic experience on the Strip has deeply affected their view of the city. Mitchell and Michelle both expressed gratitude for having survived the ordeal but admitted they were still processing the shock of the assault.
For now, the couple is back home in St. Louis, trying to recover from the physical and emotional toll of the attack. While they are safe, the experience has undeniably changed their perspective on safety while traveling.
