SIKESTON -- Nine local residents were sentenced to jail after a large disturbance on the 1000 block of Ruth Street last week.
Judge Franklin Marshall sentenced the men and women who were either involved in the incident or were arrested as a result of the disturbance on June 5.
The disturbance began at approximately 9:30 p.m. when an altercation began, leading to an officer with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety being dispatched. Upon the officer's arrival, he was pelted by bottles and bricks from a large gathering of about 80 people.
The officer immediately called for back-up, however additional officers were held up by a southbound train. With backup stalled, the officer was advised to vacate the area. When the supervisor and additional officers arrived a short time later they were also pelted by bottles and bricks. At that point, an all-
call was issued for DPS personnel. Approximately 60 officers responded to the disturbance and arrests were made.
Deontae Hatchett was sentenced to 28 days in jail, while Alexie Winston, Shalonda Dorsey and Charles Gardner were each sentenced to 14 days.
Cintina Bowden, Laquida McGhee, Maurice Robinson and Shamu Wims were each sentenced to 10 days while Alexander Scott received seven days.
DPS Director Drew Juden said that the sentencing of the individuals shows that DPS and the city are not going to tolerate activities like this in the community.
"Any other incidents such as this will be met with the same type of aggressive approach and we will push for the same type of sentences as these individuals," Juden said. "This type of behavior will not be tolerated and we will continue to be very pro-active in our enforcement efforts."
Juden also said the investigation into last week's disturbance is not finished.
"Our investigation into this incident continues," Juden said. "We expect to make further arrests in the future."
Anyone with information about this crime or any other crime is encouraged to call 471-6200 or 471-1500. All communications will be kept confidential.