Dexter man faces assault charges

DEXTER, Mo. -- A Dexter man was arrested on numerous charges -- including first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer -- after a harrowing altercation in Dexter late last week.

Joseph L. Womble, 38, entered the Mad Hatter Armory on Friday to confront his wife, Amber Womble, who had filed a protective order against him, according to a police report.

Amber Womble alleges in her official statement that Joseph Womble was "passing in and out from taking too much medicine (Xanax)," and that she sent a message to Dexter police officer Lori O'Dell, informing her he was on the property.

Joseph Womble tried to convince her to take him to their home because he had nowhere else to go, according to her statement. She told him she couldn't do that, and he allegedly said he "might as well take a gun and shoot himself."

Amber Womble's statement claims Joseph Womble went rummaging for a gun.

After a brief struggle, Amber Womble alleges, Joseph Womble got a Taurus 1911 pistol. During the struggle, Amber Womble was on the phone with Dexter police dispatch and she was yelling out what Joseph Womble was doing. Joseph Womble allegedly pushed Amber Womble away and tried to find ammunition.

Amber Womble reportedly was struggling with Joseph Womble as O'Dell entered the business.

O'Dell said she was aware of the order of protection and told Joseph Womble to drop the pistol. He allegedly responded by pointing the weapon at O'Dell, and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, he allegedly squeezed the trigger, causing the weapon to dry-fire.

According to the report, O'Dell overcame Joseph Womble and got control of the weapon. He allegedly went toward O'Dell in what she considered to be "an aggressive manner."

O'Dell reported he continued to refuse commands and, as he approached her, she struck him in the chest and abdomen with her Taser.

While on the ground, Joseph Womble refused to comply with commands to put his hands behind his back. Other officers arrived on the scene and assisted in handcuffing Joseph Womble and took him into custody.