DPS nabs 23 in sweep

SIKESTON -- Following the night of a scheduled eclipse, law enforcement officers scheduled one of their own, with "Operation Total Eclipse."

The warrant roundup led to the arrest of 23 individuals, five of whom were already in custody, said Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. Around 40 people were on the list for sealed indictments through Scott County for a variety of charges, as well as warrants.

"This roundup began at 6 a.m., with the bulk of the arrests having been made by 9 a.m.," said McMillen.

Assisting DPS in the roundup were officers with the Scott and New Madrid County Sheriff's Departments, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, SEMO Drug Task Force and the National Guard Raid Unit, which hovered above the homes in helicopters.

The Raid Unit is on hand to assist in the case of any foot or vehicle pursuits, said DPS officials.

S For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.