CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. - Several people are in custody following what police are terming as a “riot” in Caruthersville on Sunday.
Caruthersville City Marshal Tony Jones reported his officers responded to a large fight in progress in the Gayoso Federal Housing Complex. Upon arrival officers observed a group of juveniles and adults fighting.
“As officers attempted to separate the group, they were assaulted by another large group of approximately 30 plus subjects consisting of both juveniles and adult black males from behind,” Jones said in a news release.
Other agencies were called in to assist officers including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Hayti Police Department. After officers gained control of the scene, several suspects were arrested.
According to Jones, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old Caruthersville resident are charged with rioting, refusal to disperse, resisting/interfering with an arrest for a felony and first degree assault on law enforcement officers. A 31-year-old Caruthersville woman is charge with assault on emergency personal. The three were taken to the Pemiscot County Justice Center where they are being held pending the filing of formal charges by the Pemiscot County Prosecutor’s office.
A 15-year-old male is facing charges of rioting, refusal to disperse, resisting/interfering with an an arrest for a felony, first degree assault on a law enforcement officer and escape from custody. He was turned over to the Pemiscot County juvenile authorities and was taken to the Bloomfield Juvenile Detention Center.
A 16-year-old from Poplar Bluff was arrested for willfully opposing a police officer. He was turned over to Pemiscot County juvenile authorities and later released to a guardian.
Jones said the investigation is continuing into the incident and more arrests are pending.
He also thanked the other agencies for their rapid response and assistance