East St. Louis Man Admits Attacking Park Rangers on Arch Grounds

ST. LOUIS – A man from East St. Louis on Monday admitted assaulting Park Rangers in an incident that began on the grounds of the Gateway Arch National Park.

Antione Lamont Hawkins, 38, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry to two counts of assaulting an officer. 

Hawkins admitted that on Feb. 28, 2021, Park Rangers made a lawful traffic stop of a vehicle in the Old Cathedral parking lot. Hawkins was in the driver’s seat. An open beer bottle was in the vehicle and an open beer carton was in the backseat.

Hawkins gave his name to the rangers but refused to provide identification and refused to keep his hands on the steering wheel before becoming confrontational.  He admitted that he had been drinking.

When rangers tried to handcuff Hawkins, he struggled and resisted, stomping on one ranger’s foot and kicking him in the leg. When rangers tried to put him in a patrol vehicle, he kicked a ranger in the face.

During a struggle in jail, Hawkins grabbed a different ranger by the throat.

At his sentencing March 23, Hawkins could face up to eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both on each count.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.