Dexter man arrested following shooting incident

DEXTER, Mo. -- A Dexter man is behind bars today following his alleged role in a string of crimes that culminated with a shooting outside of a Dexter factory.

Arrested was James Eli Payne, 49. He is charged with the Class C felony of tampering in the first degree, the Class B felony of burglary in the first degree, the Class C felony of stealing (three counts), the Class A felony of robbery in the first degree, the Class A felony of armed criminal action (two counts), the Class C felony of assault in the second degree, the Class B felony of assault in the first degree and the Class D felony of unlawful use of a weapon.

The warrant states Payne was issued no bond because he is believed to be a danger to himself and the community.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Dexter Police Department Det. Lt. Trevor Pulley, at 3:03 a.m. Monday officers received a call to Tyson Foods at 1001 E. Stoddard in regard to a subject pointing a weapon at someone.

"While en route, a second caller reported the subject had discharged the firearm," the report states. It goes on to say that the suspect was described as a tall white male wearing a red shirt, gray shorts, with a pony tail. The caller also stated the suspect fled the scene traveling south on Winston Street.

The suspect was quickly located approximately two blocks from the scene and was arrested without incident. A semi-automatic .380-caliber handgun was found in his possession.

Two victims, a male and a female, were then located at the Tyson plant.

According to the female victim, she pulled into the parking lot at Tyson and the suspect walked up to her driver's window and tapped on it with a gun telling her to get out.

"When she refused to get out of the vehicle, the suspect opened the door and threw her to the ground. The suspect threatened her and jumped in her vehicle. While in the vehicle, the suspect threatened her again and tried to take off," the affidavit states.

"While in the vehicle, the suspect used a weapon to threaten a male victim who was also in the car. The male victim began to wrestle with Payne over the firearm. While wrestling, the weapon discharged inside the vehicle."

The male victim later identified Payne as the subject who pointed the firearm at him and discharged it inside the vehicle.

Also located at the scene was another vehicle that had been reported stolen from a residence in Dexter. The firearm found on Payne was reportedly stolen from inside the residence where the vehicle was taken.

The owner of the residence verified the weapon and the vehicle, Pulley said.

Payne is also charged with stealing a DVD player and discs valued in excess of $500. He also allegedly broke into a vehicle outside of Golden Living Center-Dexter.

Pulley stated in a Monday interview that there was no connection at all between the victims and Payne.

Pulley acknowledged that the suspect "appeared very impaired." It was not stated whether the intoxication was believed to be due to drugs or alcohol.

Payne will appear for arraignment before Judge Joe Satterfield Thursday morning.