A man is charged with sexually assaulting a woman at Club Fitness in Brentwood (8356 Musick Memorial Drive), KMOV news has reported.
39-year-old Grant Deere, of Hannibal, allegedly entered the gym around 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 17, pulled the victim off a piece of workout equipment and wrestled her to the ground. The gym is open 24 hours a day.
Deere admitted to police that his intent was to have sexual contact with her. She was able to fend him off.
Brentwood Police Maj. Jim McIntyre told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “She fought hard to get away. She ran one way and he ran another.” She then called police.
The suspect was gone when police arrived, but he was arrested two days later at a McDonald’s restaurant nearby, based on a description the victim provided and surveillance video, according to the Post-Dispatch.
Deere is not a member but still got in. Management told KMOV security cards are used to enter, and security lanyards contain a button that dials 911.
Most locations of the gym are staffed at all times but some do not have front door staff overnight. A Club Fitness official told KMOV overnight staff will be added to the Brentwood location.
Read more at KMOV.com.