Arkansas man who pleaded guilty to running down joggers files appeal

An Arkansas man who pleaded guilty to running down a group of joggers in downtown Cape Girardeau has filed an appeal in his case, online court records show.

Vincent Anderson, 19, of Little Rock, Ark., was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree assault for an Oct. 28 attack in which he was accused of driving a stolen 1994 Ford Thunderbird into a group of joggers at the intersection of Aquamsi and William streets.

Three of the joggers reported minor injuries as a result of the assault.

According to online court records, Anderson filed a motion in the case Friday under Rules 29.15 or 24.035.

Missouri Supreme Court Rule 24.035 provides for an individual convicted of a felony through a guilty plea to claim the conviction or sentence imposed violates the Missouri or U.S. Constitution on the grounds that his counsel was ineffective, the court imposing the sentence did not have jurisdiction to do so or the sentence exceeded the maximum authorized by law.

Supreme Court Rule 29.15 offers similar provisions for individuals convicted after a trial.

Anderson initially was charged with assault and vehicle tampering. If convicted on those charges, he could have faced up to 22 years in prison.

His 12-year sentence was 20 percent less than the 15 years Judge Scott Thomsen could have given him on the assault charge.

Anderson's passenger, Marcus Jones, 27, of Cotton Plant, Ark., was sentenced to 90 days in jail for two misdemeanors -- vehicle tampering and resisting arrest -- in connection with the case.

At Anderson's sentencing, the victims testified they believed he hit them intentionally, and prosecutors played a pair of incriminating videos taken from a cellphone police found in Jones' possession at the time of his arrest.

In one of the videos, a voice could be heard making apparent references to the crime, comparing it to the video game "Grand Theft Auto," in which criminals use stolen vehicles to cause death and destruction.

During the sentencing hearing, Anderson apologized to his victims and told them he took "full responsibility" for his actions.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Aquamsi Street and William Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.