Cape man gets 15 years for drug, gun charges

Michael Houston Purkey, 47, of Cape Girardeau was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison on felony drug and gun charges.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. sentenced Purkey on one count of attempt to manufacture methamphetamine and one felony count of possession of a firearm. He previously pleaded guilty to the charges.

Purkey admitted that he was in possession of an active methamphetamine laboratory on May 15. When officers from the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force attempted to stop his blue Toyota, he fled from authorities. He also tossed a loaded. 357 Magnum revolver out the car window.

Purkey was later found and arrested. In the vehicle, police found items associated with manufacturing methamphetamine, a rifle and ammunition.