Sikeston man arrested for domestic assault

BENTON -- A Sikeston man is in custody after threatening to kill his girlfriend.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, Michael L. Myers, 47, is charged with the Class C felony of second degree domestic assault and the Class D felony of unlawful use of a weapon.

On Monday Scott County deputies responded to 50 Mikels Drive in Sikeston in reference Myers being present with a firearm and threatening to kill his girlfriend and shoot law enforcement.

Deputies located Myers outside the residence unarmed and he was detained until they could speak with the victim.

Myers' girlfriend stated that he accused her of cheating and began yelling at her. He then grabbed her by the arm and threw her on the bed before taking the victim's phone away from her when she went to call for help. Myers threw her back on the bed and placed his arms around her neck and started to strangle her. The victim could not breathe and had to scratch Myers face to free herself, Walter said in a release.

Myers then attempted to suffocate the victim by placing a pillow over her face and told her he would kill her. He then got a shotgun, loaded one live round in the chamber, and placed another round in his pocket. Myers told her he was going to kill her and himself. Myers eventually talked to his sister, unloaded the firearm and went outside to wait for law enforcement.

The victim had contusions to her right arm and under her chin. She had swelling and a laceration to her lower lip, along with a laceration to her lower left leg.

Myers was arrested and transported to the Scott County Jail where he was booked pending the filing of formal chargers by the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney.

Myers remains in custody at the Scott County Jail. Bond is set by the court at $50,000 cash only and no contact with the victim.