Published on: September 25, 2024, 08:55h. 

Last updated on: September 25, 2024, 08:58h.

Authorities are still on the lookout for the two individuals who viciously attacked a couple from St. Louis visiting Las Vegas to commemorate their sixth wedding anniversary.

The intended victims, Mitchell and Michelle Stonebarger, had recently checked in at the Paris Las Vegas.

They decided to take a stroll along Las Vegas Boulevard. Mitchell Stonebarger had a video camera with him, capturing the sights of a popular tourist spot.

Out of nowhere, two men wearing blue shirts approached him, becoming aggressive when Stonebarger started recording them.

Desire to ‘Eliminate’ Tourist

Don’t shove your camera in anyone’s fXXXXXg face,” one of the men yelled at Stonebarger.

The attackers then assaulted Stonebarger and took the camera. “These individuals were out for blood,” Mitchell Stonebarger later shared with Las Vegas TV station KLAS. “It felt like they wanted to end me.”

Even after the couple escaped from the immediate vicinity and turned off the camera, the perpetrators continued to assault the helpless visitor.

I received another blow, and I crashed down. As soon as I hit the ground, I received another hit, and my camera was snatched from my hand. That person grabbed my camera, and I saw him smash it on the ground,” Stonebarger disclosed.

“The last place I wanted to be was on the ground curled up, getting kicked in the head.”

He ended up with swelling and bruises on his face from the punches and kicks, as reported by KLAS. One eye was swollen and his nose was bruised, KSNV added. A scar remained on his face.

He later sought medical attention at an urgent care facility.

Furthermore, a crowd witnessed the incident, but none of the spectators stepped in to help, according to the victims.

None of the bystanders even checked on the couple after the assault. This was the case even though Michelle Stonebarger required medical assistance for a medical condition.

The victims later notified the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). The visitors stated they do not intend to revisit Las Vegas anytime soon.

You hear people say, ‘Be cautious outside of The Strip.’ I’m saying, be cautious on The Strip,” Mitchell Stonebarger told KLAS.

Police Aim for ‘Secure’ Tourist Area

LVMPD Captain Steve Connell recently informed Las Vegas TV station KVVU that Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill “wants the tourist corridor safe. We have pushed hard from the start of the year to make his vision happen.”

As concerns about crime persist for Las Vegas residents, businesses, and visitors, local authorities will host a Public Safety Town Hall on Thursday.

The event will take place between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the LVMPD’s Northwest Area Command (NWAC), 9850 W. Cheyenne Ave.