New Madrid man faces charges after brandishing golf club

Tony Rhines

NEW MADRID, Mo. — A New Madrid man is in jail after brandishing a golf club during an attempted robbery.

Tony Darnell Rhines Sr., 41, is charged with first degree attempted robbery and armed criminal action in connection with an incident at New Mad Smoke Shop, a business in the Villa Shopping Center, early morning on Monday, March 25.

The night clerk reported to New Madrid Police that at 1:18 a.m. Monday, a male came into the business and demanded money. After she refused to give him the money, the clerk said the man left.

Officers reviewed surveillance video and according to the probable cause statement “at one point, the subject drew the club back as if to strike the clerk, but did not swing it.”

A search warrant was served for a house and shed where officers found clothing matching that which was worn by the suspect during the robbery. Also they found a Lynx Black Cat sand wedge golf club which also matched the one used during the incident.

Bond is set at $100,000 cash only. Currently Rhines remains in custody in the Mississippi County Jail.