A 49-year-old man has been arrested after police say he brutally assaulted a man resting at a St. Petersburg park, leaving the victim critically injured and permanently disfigured before stealing an item from his backpack.
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD), the violent attack occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on July 6 at Bartlett Park, located at 2000 7th Street South.
Victim Was Resting When Attack Began
Investigators said the victim was lying on a picnic table bench inside the park when the suspect approached him without warning.
Police allege the suspect repeatedly punched, kicked, and stomped on the victim’s face during the assault.
The brutal attack caused catastrophic injuries to the victim’s head and face.
Victim Suffers Critical Injuries
According to police, the victim was left in critical condition after the assault.
Authorities said he sustained severe head and facial injuries, including significant disfigurement, as a result of the attack.
Police have not released the victim’s identity or provided an update on his current medical condition.
Suspect Allegedly Stole Property Before Fleeing
After assaulting the victim, investigators said the suspect took an unidentified item from the victim’s backpack.
The suspect then fled the park before officers arrived.
Police did not disclose what item was stolen during the robbery.
Suspect Arrested
Following an investigation, St. Petersburg police arrested D’eauary Thurman, 49, on Tuesday in connection with the attack.
Thurman has been charged with:
- Second-degree attempted murder
- Robbery
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to his arrest.
Investigation Continues
The St. Petersburg Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Detectives have not released a possible motive for the attack, and no further details have been made public.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Thurman are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
