Two women arrested after downtown Cape Girardeau weapons investigation

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Two Cape Girardeau women were arrested following a weapons investigation early May 10 in downtown Cape Girardeau, according to police.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department said officers conducting foot patrol around 1:40 a.m. were approached by a woman who reported being assaulted by 47-year-old Patrice Jones.

The victim told officers Jones pushed her and then reached into her purse and cocked a handgun. The victim also reported another woman, identified as 31-year-old Breiontay Griffin, threatened to assault her.

Officers located both women nearby and attempted to investigate the incident. Police said Griffin repeatedly refused to cooperate and attempted to walk away during the encounter. Officers attempted to detain Griffin due to suspicion she was armed, and police said she resisted while officers tried to place her in handcuffs.

According to police, Jones also interfered with officers attempting to detain Griffin and resisted officers after being handcuffed.

Police said officers later recovered a loaded Ruger handgun from Jones’ purse.

Griffin was charged with first-degree harassment, hindering prosecution and resisting a lawful detention. Jones was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, interfering with a lawful detention and fourth-degree assault.

Griffin is being held on a $15,000 cash or surety bond, while Jones is being held on a $40,000 cash-only bond.

Police said the charges are accusations and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.