MAN REPORTEDLY SWINGS AT POPLAR BLUFF POLICE OFFICER WITH A KNIFE
A man has been taken into custody following an incident Tuesday night where he allegedly swung at a Poplar Bluff Police Officer with a knife.
We spoke with Poplar Bluff Police Department Captain Dave Sutton about the incident.
“On Tuesday night at 6:54 PM Officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to Jiffy Self Storage in the 3000 block of South Westwood Blvd in reference to a suspicious person.
Officer Janes contacted the person and he identified himself as Timothy Williams. A warrant check revealed an outstanding arrest warrant for Williams. Officer Janes explained that he had a warrant, and told Williams he was under arrest. Williams told Officer Janes that he did not have a warrant; then shoved his hand in his pocket and assumed a fighting stance. As Officer Janes reached for Williams’ arm, Williams pulled his hand from the pocket and swung at Officer Janes with a knife fashioned from a scissor blade.
Officer Janes forced Williams to the ground and tried to place him in handcuffs. As he did, Williams said “OK, I dropped I tossed it.” Williams continued to resist, and grabbed Officer Janes’ wrists. Officer Janes was able to free one hand and used his radio to call for assistance. Officer Janes attempted to use a taser, but Williams grabbed Officer Janes’ arm with both of his hands and pushed the taser toward Officer Janes.
Sergeant Hefner and Officer Larkins arrived and Williams was placed into handcuffs.
At the time of his arrest, Williams also carried a large bowie style knife with an 8 inch blade, and a utility knife.
Timothy Williams was booked in on charges of assault 2nd degree on a Law Enforcement Officer, Armed Criminal Action, Resisting Arrest, and a Poplar Bluff Municipal warrant for fail to appear, on an original charge of possession of marijuana. Williams was lodged in the Butler County Jail.”
Deputy Chief Don Trout tells us that he is proud of the restraint shown by Officer Janes.
“We are extremely proud of their restraint demonstrated by Officer Janes. This was a deadly force encounter and it was resolved without death or serious injury to the suspect or officer.”
TWO KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK
Two people have died following a wreck Wednesday morning in Northeast Arkansas.
Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell us that the wreck occurred at around 11:18 am on US 67 in Clay County.
A vehicle reportedly crossed the center line and struck a vehicle in the northbound lane.
Two people in the second vehicle, 66 year old Brenda Christopher, of Russellville, and 43 year old Christopher Bryant, of Carlisle, were killed in the wreck.
A third person in the second vehicle was injured, however the full extent of their injuries were not released. No injuries were listed for anybody in the first vehicle.
SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO SPEND FAKE MONEY STOLEN FROM AMMUSEMENT MACHINE
Poplar Bluff police have arrested a man who allegedly stole fake money from an amusement machine and attempted to pass it at an area business.
Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us that police began an investigation early Wednesday morning.
“On Wednesday morning around 2 a.m. officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Southside Sinclair. During the investigation it was learned the suspect had damaged a quarter amusement machine and removed several fake currency bills, which were props in the machine.
Officers begin to canvass the area to contact employees of other open businesses and advise them of the movie money which was stolen during the Southside Sinclair burglary. Officer Shane Bates made contact with the clerk at Rick’s 66 to tell them of the fake money.
The clerk immediately told him that the man who passed him in the doorway had just tried to pass some of the fake money. Officer Bates returned to his vehicle and attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle. He observed the vehicle make numerous turns on side streets in an apparent attempt to evade him. Officer Bates conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver later identified as Blake Dietz.
The store clerk came to the scene and positive inside Duetz as the person who tried to pass the fake bill. Dietz was placed under arrest and during a search of his person one of the fake $20 bills was located in his possession. In his vehicle offices located drug paraphernalia which was also seized as evidence.
Dietz was lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on charges of counterfeiting, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended/revoked, and no proof of auto insurance.”
POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS TO GET INTO NEXT WEEKS SHOWDOWN WITH FOOD DONATION
The 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown is scheduled to begin next week, and Poplar Bluff high school students will have the chance to attend games for free, as long as they are generous.
Poplar Bluff Athletic Director Kent Keith tells us that thanks to the generous donation of several Mule Supporters, High School Students will be admitted free to the three day tournament by showing their Student ID and bringing two cans of food to donate to the Bread Shed for each day they attend.
The Showdown, featuring eight teams across four states, will begin at 4 pm next Tuesday. On day one, the Poplar Bluff Mules will be taking on Tennessee’s Humboldt High School beginning at approximately 7 pm.
EAST PRAIRIE POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING AREA THEFTS
Authorities in East Prairie are investigating several reported thefts in the area.
According to the East Prairie Police Department, items including packages from mailboxes, lawn/patio furniture and Christmas decoration items have recently been stolen from several residences in town.
Police say that an investigation is under way and anyone who has information on the thefts, or the suspects involved, is asked to call 573-649-3511.
DELAYS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY ON INTERSTATE 55 IN SCOTT COUNTY
Motorists hoping to get an early start on travelling for the Christmas holiday should be prepared for delays today on Interstate 55.
Southbound I-55 in Scott County will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.
The work zone is located at the Interstate 57 overpass bridge at exit 66.
Work is scheduled to be performed today from 7 am to 4 pm.
