THREE ARRESTED FOLLOWING STANDOFF IN POPLAR BLUFF

A shooting investigation led to a standoff in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on May 5th, officers responded to Plum Street in reference to a shooting. The victim said that 37 year old Joseph Gracia, of Poplar Bluff, fired several rounds at the victim before fleeing the area, accompanied by 43 year old April Dodge, of Poplar Bluff.

Officials say the incident appeared to stem from an ongoing feud.

A search warrant was obtained leading officers to a residence on Township Line Road. At the scene, investigators issued verbal commands for the occupants to exit the home. After a time of no response, gas was deployed into the home. A short time later Dodge, and 20 year old Jordion Bell, of Poplar Bluff, exited the residence and were both taken into custody.

Investigators breached the residence approximately 20 minutes later and took Gracia into custody. The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting, along with suspected controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, were seized.

Gracia is being held pending the filing of formal charges of assault 1st degree, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dodge is being held pending the filing of the formal charges of assault 1st degree, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

THREE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO PORTAGEVILLE HOME INVASION

An investigation into a home invasion in Portageville has resulted in three arrests.

According to the Portageville Police Department, shortly before 10 pm on May 3rd officers responded to West 7th Street in reference to a home invasion.

An investigation into the incident led to the arrest of a male juvenile. It was later determined there were two more suspects involved, a black male approximately 19 to 20 years old and a white male identified as 18 year old Hunter Hartman.

Hartman was later located at a residence in Marston where he was taken into custody without incident.

During an interview, Hartman reportedly admitted to his involvement in the incident. A probable cause affidavit was filed for the charges of first degree burglary, first degree robbery, second degree assault, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. Hartman was held on a $75,000 bond.

Officials say a third suspect has also been taken into custody after admitting his involvement in the home invasion. The third suspect, whose name was not released, is currently being held at Pemiscot County Justice Center, pending charges.

ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY

Route J in Stoddard County will be reduced today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a culvert under the roadway.

The section of Route J to be reduced is located from Route AA to Tower Drive.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm.

SHELBY ROAD EXTENSION TO OPEN THIS WEEK

An opening date has been set for the Shelby Road extension in Poplar Bluff.

Officials say that the road, stretching from PP Highway to Westwood Boulevard will open this Friday.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 am on Friday at the Shelby Road and PP Highway intersection.

DEXTER WOMAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area woman on a drug warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 40 year old Melissa Robbins, of Dexter, was recently taken into custody on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officials say Robbins bond has been set at $15,000.

VAN BUREN MAN FACING METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE FOLLOWING ARREST IN CARTER COUNTY

A Van Buren man was taken into custody Monday afternoon in Carter County on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 36 year old Shane Welch was arrested at around 3:15 Monday on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Welch was held at the Shannon County Jail.