1 killed, 5 injured after altercation at family gathering in Sikeston

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A family gathering turned deadly Sunday after six people were struck by a vehicle outside a Sikeston residence.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, at about 5:20 p.m., officers were called to 612 S. West St. where three adults and three children were struck by a vehicle during a family gathering and barbecue.

"Several family members there, and apparently, some kind of altercation broke out around 5 p.m., and one of the adult males there was asked to leave," said Capt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for department. "He and his family apparently got in their vehicle to leave, and he backed out into the road. The next thing they knew, he had driven up in the carport, striking three adults and three kids."

Police were called to the scene, and the driver of the vehicle was subsequently arrested, according to McMillen.

One adult male sustained fatal injuries. Two 3-year-olds and a 4-year-old were transported to a St. Louis hospital for treatment. Another adult was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

"Attending medical personnel believed one of the adult victims received injuries to their legs that may have been two broken legs," said Capt. Mike Williams, criminal investigations supervisor for the department.

The third adult who was struck by the vehicle didn't seek treatment, Williams said.

Names of victims are not being released, pending notification to all family members, McMillen said.

The incident remains under investigation.

"We're basically trying to get all the information and talk to the witnesses who were out there," McMillen said.

Pertinent address:

612 S. West St., Sikeston, Mo.