Cape man charged in first-degree robbery of pizza delivery driver

A Cape Girardeau man is facing felony charges of armed robbery following an incident Saturday in which a local delivery driver was forced to hand over pizzas and an unspecified amount of cash to a man wearing a mask and brandishing a gun.

Eric P. Russell, 40, was charged with first-degree robbery and remained in custody in lieu of $75,000 bond at the Cape Girardeau County Jail. The police report listed 51 Hazel St. as his address -- the same one where the robbery was reported. Russell -- who in the past has pleaded guilty to burglary, stealing and assault charges -- made an initial appearance in court Monday before Judge Gary Kamp.

Police responded at 12:55 a.m. to an apartment complex on Hazel Street in reference to a robbery report, said Cape Girardeau police spokesman Darin Hickey. The driver, the police were told, was making a delivery at the apartments when he was robbed by a man wearing a mask. The driver, who was not injured, handed over an unspecified amount of cash and the pizzas to the man, Hickey said. Officers made contact with several people inside the apartment, including Russell, who was arrested a short time later.

Robberies involving weapons can be elevated to first-degree status and carry a possible sentence of up to 30 years or life in prison.

Pertinent address:

51 Hazel St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.