UNIVERSITY CITY • A University City man was charged in a violent attempted robbery that left a Loop bartender with serious injuries last month.

Justin David Hood, 20, was charged with first-degree assault in the attack, on Aug. 23 in the 7000 block of Stanford Avenue. The victim told police he was attacked from behind about 6:30 p.m. that night. He was knocked to the ground and struck several more times as the attackers demanded his property, according to police.

The victim told the attackers he didn't have anything to take, and they ran off.

Police identified Hood as a suspect and he was charged Aug. 27.

Ronnie Gentile, a manager at Three Kings Public House, said the victim is a bartender there. Friends and coworkers started a GoFundMe page for medical bills after the victim underwent extensive surgery. The bar is planning a fundraiser for Sept. 11.

"As bad as the event was that took place, it's great that people are rallying behind him," Gentile said.

Bail for Hood was set at $100,000. He lives in the 7100 block of Dartmouth Avenue, a few blocks from the scene of the attack, according to police.

Police said they were trying to identify a second suspect. They asked anyone with information to call University City police at 314-725-2211 ext. 8010 or 314-863-7333.

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