Sikeston man facing felonies after brandishing weapon

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston man is in jail after brandishing a handgun and making threats before leading police on a vehicle pursuit.

According to Sikeston DPS Sgt. Jon Broom, DPS officers responded to the 800 block of Ruth at 10:25 p.m. Tuesday in reference to a brandishing of a weapon call. The caller said Raymond Mitchell brandished a handgun and threatened to shoot at their home as he drove by.

The complainant gave officers a description of the vehicle and direction of travel. While officers were still at the scene, Mitchell drove west past the residence again. Detectives attempted to stop the vehicle near the intersection of Ruth and Branum, however Mitchell failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit started west on Ruth from Branum. The car traveled to Coleman, then south to William before returning to Branum. After turning east on Ruth, Mitchell stopped the car in a yard on the 800 block of Ruth where he was taken into custody.

Officers responded to the area where the pursuit began and performed a grid search for any items thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit. Officers located a .40 caliber pistol near the 400 block of Coleman and preserved it for evidence.

Detectives interviewed Mitchell and learned he didn't stop because he had the gun with him and that he threw it from the vehicle prior to stopping for police. Detectives also learned that Mitchell was a previously convicted felon which prohibits him from possessing a firearm.

Mitchell is charged with the felonies of possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence for a felony, unlawful use of a weapon along with resisting arrest, armed criminal action and fourth degree assault. He is being held on $75,000 cash or surety bond.