Cape man accused of robbing convenience store

A Cape Girardeau man has been implicated in the October robbery of a convenience store in which the suspect left the clerk bloodied before making off with cash.

Patrick C. Rayford, 47, already was in custody on unrelated stealing charges when aggravated felony counts of first-degree robbery and armed criminal action were filed by prosecutors Tuesday. Judge Gary Kamp issued a warrant on the new charges and set bond at $100,000. No lawyer was listed in court documents and a hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Police said they believe Rayford went to the Jaspers Convenience Store at 407 Morgan Oak St., and assaulted the 52-year-old female clerk by demanding money and then hitting her on the forehead with a Heineken beer bottle, according to a police statement. He then took about $500 from the register and fled. Rayford was questioned by police when he was arrested earlier this month on another matter.

Rayford faces a possible life sentence on the aggravated charges.

Pertinent address:

407 Morgan Oak St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.