ST. LOUIS – A man and woman are in custody for allegedly tying up an assistant property manager during a final walkthrough of one suspect’s apartment.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department’s probable cause statements, the crime took place on August 5 in the 2700 block of Texas Avenue in the Benton Park West neighborhood.
Police said a woman who worked for the property manager had scheduled a walkthrough for a tenant who was moving out.
The victim met with the tenant, identified as Emma M. Cunningham, 31, and began the inspection. As the victim was taking photos of the apartment, police said Jervonz L. Williams, 48, appeared from the kitchen with a gun and pointed it at the victim.
Cunningham took the victim’s phone while Williams restrained her, police said. The duo acquired duct tape and attempted to tie the victim to a chair.
The victim was able to break free from the chair, ran from the apartment, and called the police.
Williams and Cunningham were arrested a short time later. Police said Williams, a convicted felon, admitted trying to tie the victim to a chair with duct tape.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged both Williams and Cunningham with first-degree robbery, first-degree kidnapping, and two counts of armed criminal action. Williams was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Both remain jailed without bond. Williams is due in court on August 13, while Cunningham is slated to appear before a judge on August 14.
