70-year-old Malden man victim of home invasion

MALDEN, Mo. -- A 38-year-old Dunklin County man is incarcerated at the Dunklin County Justice Center facing a list of charges over a home invasion.

On Dec. 19, Terry Kitrel, 70, of Malden experienced the home invasion, in which a man, later identified as Richard Jenkins, 38, allegedly knocked on his kitchen door, threatened him and demanded money, according to a report from the Dunklin County Sheriff's Department.

Kitrel said he told Jenkins he did not have any cash, but that he was forced to get into his vehicle and drive the suspect to Kitrel's bank, where he was told to withdraw money. After complying, Kitrel was then instructed to drive back to his residence, where the suspect then fled with the money in a white extended cab GMC truck. Kitrel then called police.

Authorities were contacted Wednesday by a woman who said she had seen a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's near Kitrel's home, on the Route J area near Malden. Local police began patrolling the area, when an officer saw a matching truck parked behind Kitrel's residence and a man walking from Kitrel's residence in the direction of the parked vehicle.

According to the report, once Jenkins saw the officer, he immediately turned around and ran toward Kitrel's home, entering the residence and locking the door behind him.

Police secured the home and noticed that Kitrel was inside as well. They communicated with him through the window, asking him to come unlock the back door. Kitrel did so and was safely removed from the home. Officers searched the home and found Jenkins allegedly hiding in a hot tub.

Jenkins is facing charges of first-degree robbery, two counts of first-degree burglary, kidnapping and several counts of armed criminal action, said Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff. Details regarding Jenkins' bond and upcoming court appearance were not available at press time, but Sokoloff said he expected to see Jenkins in court today.

Pertinent address:

Malden, Mo.