Wednesday, August 9, 2023
ONE DEAD IN CONNECTION TO OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN POPLAR BLUFF
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer involved shooting in Poplar Bluff from Monday evening.
Sergeant Clark Parrott with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News, that at approximately 9 pm, officers were dispatched to the intersection of South 11th Street and Park Avenue regarding a male subject lying in the road.
The officers were advised the subject had an active warrant for assault. The subject then entered a vehicle, refused verbal commands to roll down the window, locked the doors and began revving the engine.
The officers removed both front windows in an attempt to take the subject into custody. The suspect began moving the vehicle, nearly striking an officer. An officer then discharged their weapon, striking the subject.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC that the subject was identified as 44 year old Michael Ruzycky, of Doniphan.
Poplar Bluff Police Chief Mike McClain requested an independent investigation be conducted by the Highway Patrol. Both Officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. Akers says that his office is working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol for the investigation.
DAMAGING WINDS AND FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE WITH INCOMING STORM SYSTEM
Multiple rounds of thunderstorms could be crossing our listening area today.
We spoke with River Radio Chief Meteorologist Dan Holiday about what to expect.
“We have a unique setup on going right now. This heat dome that's been over parts of southern Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, into northern Mexico has just been camped out for over a couple of months. And we also have a high pressure system in western Canada and that's caused the jet stream to dive into the central part of the country and that's brought us a May like pattern here in early August. And so that's why we're dealing with so many storm systems that are coming in just one after the other, after the other, and we have an increased risk of severe weather as we go throughout the day. Already a thunderstorm complex that emerged last night out of Kansas and Missouri continues to slide Southeast and depending on how much our atmosphere recovers here today we’ll likely see additional thunderstorm development. That's one of the reasons the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted that risk of strong to severe thunderstorms as we go throughout the day into this evening. The other concern is going to be very heavy rain with this. We've already dealt with quite a bit of rainfall with other storm systems so that will create another hazard as we go throughout the next 24 hours.”
Most of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas has an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms today. Locally damaging winds should be the primary severe risk along with the potential for hail and a possible tornado.
JUVENILE INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH
A juvenile was injured in a single vehicle crash Monday evening.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 16 year old girl from Wardell was driving on Route B in Pemiscot County when her vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned.
It is not known if she was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The teen suffered serious injuries and was transported to a Blytheville hospital.
OFFICER STABBED IN SIKESTON, ONE PERSON TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
A subject has been taken into custody following a stabbing in Sikeston.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on Sunday when a Sikseton police officer was stabbed, causing injuries to the officer’s head and back.
The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The suspect, 22 year old Thomas Howie, of Sikeston, was arrested on charges of first degree assault, third degree assault, resisting arrest, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action.
Howie’s arraignment was held Tuesday morning and no bond has been set.
THREE MONTH LONG BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN RIPLEY COUNTY
A three month long bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin today in Ripley County.
MoDOT officials say that Route 142 will be closed as contractor crews replace the bridge over Mill Creek.
The closure is located between Route V and County Road 142W-11 near Gatewood.
The project is expected to be completed by Tuesday, November 11th.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY NEAR MALDEN
Route D in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The work zone is located from County Road 556 to County Road 560 near Malden.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from until 4 p.m.