MALDEN, Mo. —Perry Handy, 66, of Malden has been charged with the class A felony of assault in the first degree for shooting at a law enforcement officer just outside Malden on Sunday, August 16.
According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain, Handy was also charged with two additional counts of assault in the first degree for shooting at a young woman and her two year old child, three counts of armed criminal action, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful use of a weapon.
The investigation began when Dunklin County 911 operators received a report that Handy had shot at two people at 43654 State Highway 25, north of Malden. The Dunklin County Sheriff’s office requested the assistance of the Malden Police Department, due to the fact they could arrive more quickly on the scene.
Upon Malden Police Department’s arrival, they were informed that Handy was in the shed at the rear of the residence, along with two young children. The law enforcement officer ordered Handy to exit the shed. Handy then stepped out and fired a 12-gauge shotgun at the officer, before retreating back into the shed.
The officer, a 13-year veteran, did not return fire because of the children being in the shed with Handy.
Handy emerged a short time later and was taken into custody.
Handy is being held in the Dunklin County Jail, without bond. The investigation is being conducted by the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Malden Police Department.