St. Louis Man Charged After Stabbing Incident
Authorities charged a local man with multiple felonies following an attack on a man and his dog near a MetroLink station.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Crime — General
Travis Ratliff has been charged with first-degree assault, animal abuse, and armed criminal action following an attack on September 28, 2026. A 49-year-old man and his pit bull terrier suffered stab wounds during the incident in St. Louis.
Why it matters
The suspect was reportedly out on bond for a previous third-degree assault case at the time of the attack. His arrest follows a history of violent crime, including a 2008 conviction for second-degree murder.
Travis Ratliff remains jailed without bond following his detainment by MetroLink security. He faces a scheduled court appearance on October 8, 2026, followed by a preliminary hearing on October 29, 2026.
The players
Travis Ratliff
He is a 42-year-old man who was previously convicted of second-degree murder in 2008.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office
This local government agency is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases within the city of St. Louis.
MetroLink
This regional public transportation system operates the light rail and bus services in the St. Louis area.
The details
Police recovered a bloodied can opener with a bladed hook used during the stabbing in the 400 block of South 14th Street. The suspect allegedly approached the victim and attacked him after a brief conversation before being apprehended by security.
Timeline
In 2008, Travis Ratliff was convicted of second-degree murder.
The stabbing occurred on September 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
A court appearance is set for October 8, 2026.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding recidivism among individuals released on bond for pending felony charges in the St. Louis judicial system. The case follows a long-standing pattern of violent offenses documented against the suspect since his 2008 murder conviction.
The incident occurred in a high-traffic area, prompting MetroLink security and local law enforcement to maintain heightened vigilance. Residents and commuters in the Downtown West area are advised to remain aware of their surroundings near the station.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of reporting suspicious activity near public transit hubs to security personnel immediately. The arrest serves as a reminder for residents to prioritize personal safety when navigating high-traffic urban areas.
What happens next
Travis Ratliff is scheduled for a court appearance on October 8, 2026, and a preliminary hearing on October 29, 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on regional legal proceedings in the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox2Now.
