Cape man first to face state charges under revised felon in possession of firearm law

Christopher Ross Anderson, 26, of 737 Themis St., No. 2, faces the first state charges under Missouri's revised felon in possession of a firearm statute, Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle announced Wednesday.

The new law took effect Aug. 28, and made the state law more closely mirror federal felon in possession of a firearm legislation.

Now, to be charged with the offense, a person with any felony conviction may not own or possess a gun, instead of just those convicted of dangerous felony, as the law previously specified.

Anderson was arrested Tuesday afternoon after Cape Girardeau police responded to a robbery in progress in front of Dollar General store at 724 Broadway.

Anderson allegedly ran into a residence near the store following an altercation outside, during which he'd displayed a Ruger .22-caliber revolver, according to a probable-cause statement.

The Special Response Team later located the gun in the tank of a toilet in the bathroom of the residence.

Anderson has numerous outstanding warrants, including a felony warrant out of Illinois.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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