ST. LOUIS — A man has been charged with a hate crime and threatening to kill LGBTQ residents in Soulard.
On May 24, police received several 911 calls about property damage in the 1300 block of Sidney Street.
While investigating what happened, police obtained surveillance video that showed a man committing the crimes. That man was later identified as Charles Patton, according to St. Louis police.
Investigators said the video showed Patton punching in porch spindles of a home, kicking in two doors and going inside. Once inside, he damaged the frame of an interior door, police said.
The whole time, he was screaming homophobic slurs at the people who lived inside. His screams also included threats of violence, including—repeatedly—“I am going to slit your throat,” police said.
A man and woman who rent the home are gay.
The homeowner painted part of the house in rainbow colors in honor of his daughter—who rents part of the home—and the man who live there, to make them feel welcome and comfortable, police said.
Patton caused $750 in damage, St. Louis police reported.
The 33-year-old is from Salem, Illinois. He’s been charged with first-degree property damage with motivation by discrimination, one count of trespassing with motivation by discrimination and burglary.
His bond was set at $50,000 cash only.
