5 charged after Caruthersville traffic stop leads to weapons arrests

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Five people are facing charges following a traffic stop in Caruthersville where police say officers recovered three loaded firearms, including one allegedly equipped with an illegal conversion device.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, an officer stopped a vehicle around 11:21 p.m. Aug. 15 in the 900 block of Truman Boulevard.

Police said three loaded firearms were recovered during the stop. One was allegedly equipped with a conversion device commonly known as a “switch.”

Police later announced no-bond warrants had been filed for five people in connection with the investigation.

Eric Craine is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a dangerous felon/prior conviction, unlawful possession of an illegal weapon, tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution and resisting arrest for a felony.

Keivon Smith is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest for a felony.

Emaurion Truss is charged with unlawful possession of an illegal weapon, tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution and resisting arrest for a felony.

Belton McWilliam is charged with interfering with a first responder and resisting arrest. Dashawn Lee is charged with interfering with a first responder.

Police allege one person attempted to conceal a firearm handed to him by an occupant of the vehicle. Two others were accused of refusing to remain at least 20 feet away from officers despite receiving multiple warnings.

The Caruthersville Police Department said Missouri law allows people to observe and record law enforcement activity from a lawful location but prohibits certain conduct intended to interfere with a first responder’s duties.

All people charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.