Details released after man arrested at Cape Girardeau hotel, allegedly threatening staff with sword

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A man was arrested at a local hotel after allegedly threatening staff members with a sword and refusing to leave the property, according to a police report.

The incident began when a room service employee attempted to service Room 320, but was confronted by the man, later identified as Reed, who exited Room 319 and began yelling aggressively at the employee, using profane and confrontational language.

Danielle Knuckles, a hotel employee, reported that she approached Room 319 to speak with Reed after being informed of the disturbance. While walking toward the room, she observed an unidentified barefoot female, believed to be Reed’s girlfriend, exiting the business. However, Knuckles was unable to provide identifying information for the female.

Upon knocking on Reed’s door, Knuckles stated that Reed immediately began yelling profanities at her, calling her a “stupid [expletive] [expletive]” and stating, “I’m going to [expletive] you up.” During this time, Reed was in possession of a “Civil War-style” sword, which he was actively sheathing and unsheathing while making these statements.

Knuckles described hearing a distinct metallic clicking sound each time the blade was drawn and reinserted. Fearing for her safety due to the verbal threats and Reed’s behavior with the weapon, Knuckles returned to the front desk and contacted law enforcement to have Reed removed from the property.

Officers responded to Room 319 and began knocking on the door, identifying themselves clearly as law enforcement. After an extended period, Reed opened the door and was placed in a seated position near the front of the bed.

While inside the room, officers observed several empty alcohol containers in plain view. While attempting to speak with Reed, he made multiple spontaneous statements referencing emotional instability and displayed erratic behavior. He refused to comply with verbal commands and began making additional threatening remarks toward officers.

Reed was informed by hotel staff that he was no longer permitted on the property and was directed to leave. However, he refused to do so and continued to cause a disturbance, leading to his arrest.

During the arrest, the sword described by Knuckles was observed in plain view inside the room’s closet, located near the entrance/exit. Reed stated that he had purchased the sword from a local antique store.

Reed was transported to police headquarters, where he was booked, processed, and placed on a 24-hour hold. A state warrant application will be completed and forwarded to the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Knuckles completed a voluntary written statement, which has been included in the police report.

Related links: Man removed from hotel after alleged threats with a sword – KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News