STEELE, Mo. - A mental exam is scheduled for a man who pulled a knife and scuffled with a police officer.
Raymond Joe Moody of Steele is being held in the Pemiscot County Jail pending his next hearing Jan. 23 on felony charges of second degree assault, armed criminal action and resisting arrest as well as the misdemeanor of peace disturbance. During a court appearance Thursday Judge William W. Carter granted Moody's public defender's request for a mental exam, according to online court records.
Moody was arrested Jan. 7 by Steele Police Officer Michael Dodd who had responded to the Deerfield Travel Center in reference to a disturbance.
Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield said upon arrival Dodd was told by the store clerk that she was physically assaulted by a man, later identified as Moody, who was still on the premises. When Dodd attempted to arrest Moody, heresisted and struck Dodd in the face with his fist, Stanfield reported.
"The officer then deployed his Taser on Moody but the Taser had no effect and the two then began to struggle," Stanfield said in a news release. "While the officer was attempting to place Moody in handcuffs, Moody reached into his waistband grabbing for a large knife."
Dodd was subsequently able to place Moody in handcuffs and take away the knife, according to the police chief. Also Pemiscot County deputies arrived on the scene to assist the officer.
Moody's bond is set at $200,000.