Shooting suspect charged; victim in critical condition

SIKESTON -- The suspect in the Wednesday shooting of a Sikeston man is facing several felony charges.

Chester M. Brown, 29, of Sikeston is charged with one count each of the felonies of first degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution, according to Missouri Case.net.

About 10:35 a.m. Wednesday Sikeston Department of Public Safety officers were called to the 700 block of Montgomery Street in Sikeston in reference to a subject who was shot, according to initial reports from Sikeston DPS.

When officers arrived, they found a 23-year-old Sikeston man with several gunshot wounds to his torso and legs. The victim, whose name is being withheld, was transported to an area hospital, where he underwent surgery and remained in critical condition as of Thursday morning, according to DPS.

About 11:40 a.m. Wednesday officers with Sikeston DPS and the Semo Major Case Squad responded to the 500 block of Malcolm Street to the home of Brown who was named by the victim, reports said. Brown was taken into custody without incident.

Bond is set at $250,000 cash only, and Brown is to have no contact with the victim.

On Wednesday DPS said the motive behind the shooting is under investigation, and more information will follow as it develops.