Charleston man convicted of felony resisting arrest

CHARLESTON, Mo. — A jury found a Charleston man guilty of a felony resisting arrest charge following a one-day trial in Mississippi County.

On Friday, Sept. 6, Sterling La’Marr McCain was convicted by a jury of his peers of felony resisting arrest, according to a news release from Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Claire E. Poley. As a prior and persistent offender, McCain is subject to enhanced sentencing under state law and is scheduled to return for sentencing at 1 p.m. Oct. 8 in Mississippi County Court.

According to the probable cause affidavit, at 8:55 p.m. Sept. 26, 2023, an officer with the Charleston Department of Public Safety was in the 700 block of South Green Street in Charleston clearing a previous call when he observed MCCain walking south on Green Street. The officer knew McCain had an active warrant through Mississippi County, and when he radioed Charleston DPS Communications, he was advised McCain also had an active warrant through Scott County. The officer said he attempted to stop McCain who told the officer he had a gun wanted to throw it, the probable cause said. The officer said he instructed McCain to keep his hands where the officer could see them. At that time, McCain began to run to the north on Green Street. The officer Tased McCain on his second attempt and placed him in hand restraints. McCain, who has multiple prior felony drug-related convictions, was transported to the Mississippi County Dentention Center.

Poley expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the case.

“We are satisfied with the jury’s verdict,” Poley said. “This conviction sends a clear message that resisting arrest and repeat offenses will not be tolerated in our community. I would like to thank the dedicated law enforcement officers, the prosecution team, and the jurors for their hard work and commitment to justice.”

Poley said the prosecutor’s office extended its appreciation to the Charleston Department of Public Safety and all courthouse and prosecution staff who contributed to the successful prosecution of this case.