BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports a Cape Girardeau man and a Sikeston woman in custody for charges related to an assault that occurred in Oran.
Thomas J. Sheppard III (22) of 1107 North Spanish, Cape Girardeau, has been charged with the Class C Felony of Second Degree Assault and the Class B Misdemeanor of Property Damage.
Sarah B. Cook (26) of 230 Thrush, Sikeston, has been charged with the Class C Felony of Second Degree Assault.
Sheriff Walter states that on Friday, November 28th, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Senior Deputy Matt Scroggins responded to the Oran Library for an assault investigation.
Deputy Scroggins met with the victim, a male who reported he had been assaulted by Sheppard and Cook. According to the victim a verbal altercation occurred between him and Cook concerning posts on Facebook. That argument led to Sheppard attacking the victim by striking him several times with closed fists and kicking him. The victim stated that Sheppard pushed him against a pillar on the porch of the library, separating the pillar from the building. The victim stated that he was on the ground and that Sheppard got on top of him and struck him several more times. The victim stated that while he was on the ground, Cook stomped on his head several times. Deputy Scroggins observed bruising across the entire right side of the victim’s forehead, and red marks on his nose.
Deputy Scroggins ascertained that Sheppard and Cook had departed the scene in a vehicle. The vehicle description was provided to Deputy Robyn Merideth. Deputy Merideth located the vehicle and stopped it on Kingshighway at Salcedo Road in Sikeston. Sheppard and Cook were arrested and transported to the Scott County Jail.
Sheriff Walter praised the quick resolution on the investigation and the arrests of Sheppard and Cook. Sheriff Walter asks that anyone who has further information regarding this case, or other criminal activity to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.
Sheppard remains in custody in the Scott County Jail. Bond was set by the court at $2,500.00 cash only.
Cook also remains in custody. Her bond was set by the court at $5,000.00 cash or surety.
