RIVER RADIO NEWS 051314
CHARLESTON POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN EARLY MORNING ARMED ROBBERY
Police are looking for a man they say robbed a McDonald’s in Charleston Monday morning.
According to authorities, at approximately 4:30 am, a male with a handgun overpowered an employee who was opening the restaurant. The suspect, who was wearing a hoodie, took an undetermined amount of cash and fled the scene in an employee’s car.
The stolen vehicle was later located on a county road off Highway 60.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Charleston Department of Public Safety at 573-683-3737.
MAN KILLED DURING ILLINOIS BURGLARY ID’d AS SIKESTON RESIDENT
Authorities have identified a Missouri man who was shot and killed by a rural southwestern Illinois homeowner during a botched burglary.
The Belleville News-Democrat reports 62 year old Lloyd Turner, of Sikeston, died during the break-in attempt last Thursday near Millstadt.
He was identified by the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department.
The 72 year old homeowner shot Turner moments after calling 911 to say he heard glass breaking.
Sheriff's deputies who responded found Turner dead in the driveway.
Authorities say the homeowner likely won't face charges.
Investigators say Turner was found with no identification, and the license plate on the vehicle he drove to the home wasn't registered to him.
MAN ACCUSED OF THREATENING TO SHOOT CHILD
A man is in custody in Cape Girardeau County for allegedly threatening to shoot a child.
According to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, 37 year old Kevin David Posh, was arrested on May 11th on a charge of first degree endangering the welfare of a child.
Posh is accused of pointing a 9 mm handgun at a child under 17 years old and threatening to shoot the child.
THIRD PERSON ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO STODDARD COUNTY ARSON
A third person has been arrested on attempted murder and arson charges in connection to an incident in Stoddard County.
According to Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney, Russell Oliver, 69 year old Donald Lafferty, of Quechee, Vermont, was arrested in Massachusetts Monday night in connection to a 2013 arson in Bloomfield.
Lafferty has been charged with attempted murder, first degree arson, armed criminal action, and financial exploitation of an elderly person.
Both Brandy Hicks and Chris Hicks have been arrested in connection to the case.
JONESBORO MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT
Authorities in Northeast Arkansas have taken a Jonesboro man into custody following an accusation that he sexually assaulted a 19 year old woman.
According to KAIT, the woman told authorities that 20 year old Curtis Sherrod Cohen had forced himself on her.
Cohen was arrested on a charge of second degree sexual assault.
STEELE MAN FACING ASSAULT AND FELONIOUS RESTRAINT CHARGES
A Steele man is facing multiple charges after allegedly running over another man.
According to KFVS, a man told police that 59 year old Ronald H. Howell had ran over him with a jeep. The man suffered a serious leg injury.
Howell’s wife also told authorities that Howell had assaulted her and held her against her will.
Howell is charged with felonious restraint and first degree assault.
MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
An Alicia man was taken into custody over the weekend on drug charges.
According to authorities, 35 year old Mitchell Nicholas was arrested Saturday on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A Sheriff’s Deputy reportedly found two syringes on Nicholas that tested positive for meth.
TRAFFIC FATALITIES UP IN 2014
New information released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shows that traffic fatalities are up almost 10 percent this year.
According to the Highway Patrol, there has been a nine percent increase in fatalities so far in 2014. From 2006 to 2013 traffic fatalities dropped from 1,257 to 757.
The Highway Patrol is asking every driver to help lower that number by being safe drivers. This includes paying attention while driving, making sure you and everyone in your vehicle are wearing a seat belt, not speeding and not drinking and driving.
GOVERNOR NIXON TO DECIDE ON ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE REGULATIONS
Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to legislation barring people younger than 18 from buying electronic cigarettes.
The House voted 127 to 19 on Monday to send the bill to Governor Jay Nixon. It passed the Senate earlier this year.
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices used to heat a liquid nicotine solution and create vapor that is inhaled.
Supporters say the legislation would protect teenagers from early exposure to nicotine. Opponents say it doesn't go far enough because it exempts e-cigarettes from some restrictions on tobacco sales and advertising. Under the bill, e-cigarettes would not be subject to Missouri's tobacco tax.
The vote comes a few weeks after the Food and Drug Administration announced plans to ban sales to minors, add warning labels and require approval for new products.
ARKANSAS GOVERNOR ADDS 11 COUNTIES TO DISASTER DECLARATION REQUEST
Arkansas' congressional delegation says Governor Mike Beebe has added 11 counties to the state's major disaster declaration request to help in the recovery from last month's deadly storm.
The two senators and four U.S. House members say in a news release that they wrote to President Barack Obama and the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency earlier Monday in support of Beebe's request.
Clay, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp, Faulkner, and White Counties will now be eligible to apply for public assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
The April 27th storm produced a powerful tornado and caused widespread destruction as it passed through the state. Fifteen people were killed.
