CAPE OFFICER HURT AFTER FALL IN CHASE OF TEEN SUSPECT

A Cape Girardeau police officer broke his arm Thursday after falling off a fence while chasing a juvenile he suspected of taking part in a drug deal.

Cpl. Barry Hovis was taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital where he was treated for a broken arm and dislocated elbow and released, said Capt. Steve Strong, commander of operations.

Nine officers responded to the call of an officer down at about 3:15 p.m. Four officers chased the 16-year-old boy and caught him. He was arrested and charged with resisting arrest.

Strong said Hovis observed some suspicious activity in the 300 block of Middle Street that led him to think a drug transaction was taking place.

He approached the boy, whom he questioned. While the boy was being questioned, he took off. Hovis pursued him on foot.

The boy scaled a fence and when Hovis attempted to do the same, he got his foot hung up, causing him to fall.