Marines assaulted while on liberty at Marine Week St. Louis

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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>At approximately 2 a.m.

June 20, three Marines working for the Special Purpose Marine Air

Ground Task Force Marine Week were assaulted in an attempted

robbery during off-duty hours.

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The Marines

were wearing civilian attire and returning to their hotel when

approached by an individual attempting to sell them a necklace.

After declining the Marines continued walking toward their hotel.

The initial individual followed them to the intersection and

reengaged in attempts to sell a necklace. One Marine faced this

individual and asked to be left alone. This Marine turned back

around to continue walking and was struck on the back of his

head.

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A second

individual approached simultaneously; demanded the Marines hand

over their wallets and any money, and assaulted a second Marine.

After a brief altercation, the parties were separated with the help

of the third Marine and police were contacted. The Marines

relinquished their wallets and both assailants fled the

scene.

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The Marines

began walking toward their hotel and met a police patrolman shortly

after. The Marines were uninjured during the incident and returned

to the Marine Week SPMAGTF headquarters by the police.

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The Marines

returned to their regular scheduled duties Monday

morning.

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The incident

is under investigation.

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All Marines

participating in events for Marine Week are directed to avoid all

altercations while in St. Louis.

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The United

States Marine Corps partnered with the City of St. Louis to bring

Marine Week to the Gateway City, June 20-26, 2011. The week-long

celebration will showcase the unique characteristics of America’s

Corps.

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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>For more

become a fan on Facebook at

Facebook.com/Marines.