ST. LOUIS, MO (April 4, 2025) — John Jacob Ehlinger, 36, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday for the assault against City Counselor’s Office Attorney Brian Stokes on October 22, 2023, in Downtown St. Louis.

Ehlinger, driving his roofing truck, ran a red light at 10th and Clark Streets. Stokes, who was heading home, honked at him. That’s when Ehlinger reversed his car and started attacking Stokes, punching him 19 times and causing severe injuries. A concerned citizen witnessed the fight and shouted at Ehlinger to stop. In response, Ehlinger aggressively approached the passerby, who quickly drove off to avoid a confrontation.

Ehlinger was sentenced to 10 years for first-degree assault. He has prior convictions for driving while intoxicated and second-degree property damage. He also has a pending third-degree assault case in St. Louis County.

Assistant Circuit Attorney Michael Ware prosecuted the case.

"Today's sentencing holds John Jacob Ehlinger accountable for his violent actions, which left an innocent commuter severely injured and instilled fear in our community. This conviction serves as a reminder that acts of senseless brutality will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

Ehlinger’s case number is 2322-CR02733-01.