Dunklin County Deputy injured in altercation

HOLCOMB, Mo. -- A Dunklin County Sheriff's deputy was hurt Sunday morning after a suspect threw a knife during an altercation Sunday morning, according to Sheriff Bob Holder.

Robert Daniel Edwards from Stoddard County is now facing multiple felony charges stemming from the altercation. Dunklin County Sheriff's deputy Patrick Cole was injured in the altercation. He was taken by ambulance to Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett, where he was treated for the knife wound and later released.

Deputies responded to a 911 call just after 1 a.m. Sunday, June 5, at a home on Highway 25, just east of Holcomb. The homeowner, Richard Magouirk, claimed a man had kicked in the door of his home. Magourik told deputies that his dog barked and jumped towards the suspect, causing him to flee the home.

Holder says when deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect had already left. Magourik told deputies the suspect was walking on Highway 25, and deputies quickly found Edwards one mile away from the home. Holder says Edwards began shouting at the deputies, who reportedly saw a knife when he was asked to show his hands.

When deputies drew their tasers in an effort to subdue Edwards, Holder says the suspect threw the knife, striking Cole on his left arm.

The deputies ultimately used their tasers to gain control of Edwards before bringing him into custody.

Edwards was taken to the Dunklin County Justice Center in Kennett, where he faces three felony charges, including class A first degree assault of a law enforcement officer, class B first degree burglary and class C first degree tamporing. Edwards is also charged with first degree armed criminal action.

His court date is set for Tuesday, June 7. Holder says Edwards is currently on probation in Stoddard County, which is part of of what Holder called a lengthy criminal record across Missouri, Florida and Texas.