Man accused of brandishing defaced firearm, threatening woman in Cape Girardeau
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A man was arrested Sunday night after allegedly brandishing a firearm, threatening a woman and damaging property during a dispute, according to a probable cause statement filed in Cape Girardeau County.
Police said officers were dispatched at about 8:42 p.m. Feb. 8 to the 200 block of William Street for a report of a man displaying a firearm and threatening a woman. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, who said a man she knew as “TJ” had been inside the residence with her and other guests before a verbal argument broke out over a football game.
The suspect, later identified as Thearthur William Scott Jr., was described as a Black male with dreadlocks, about 5 feet 6 inches tall with a slim build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans. The victim told officers Scott went outside and continued shouting from the street before pulling a black handgun from his waistband, pointing it into the air and waving it while making threatening statements. Police said the victim feared immediate physical injury.
The victim also reported that the front passenger window of her vehicle had been shattered after she went back inside the residence. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at about $500.
Officers initially searched the area but were unable to locate Scott. A short time later, an officer observed a man matching the suspect’s description walking north on Lorimier Street. The victim identified the man as Scott, and officers took him into custody without incident.
During a search incident to arrest, police said Scott was found carrying a Hi-Point 9mm handgun loaded with two rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. The firearm was tucked into his waistband and had its make, model and caliber markings scratched off and painted over. Officers also recovered metal knuckles from Scott’s pocket.
While being transported to jail, Scott allegedly shouted statements intended to intimidate the victim, police said. Investigators later determined Scott is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Scott faces multiple charges, including armed criminal action, second-degree property damage, fourth-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, tampering with a victim, possession of a defaced firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Court documents state Scott is being held without bond due to concerns he poses a danger to the victim and the community and because he is wanted in Illinois on a homicide warrant. An arrest is an accusation, and Scott is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
