Father and son accused of beating man

A father and son were arrested Tuesday in Sikeston, Missouri, on suspicion of kicking and beating a man with a large flashlight.

James William Applewhite Sr., 66, and James William Applewhite Jr., 30, both of Sikeston, were charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action, both felonies.

Officers with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety went at 10:44 a.m. Tuesday to 105 Jaycee St. in Sikeston on a report a person was stabbed, according to a probable-cause report from officer John Blakely.

It turned out the younger Applewhite had cuts on his skin when the victim tried to defend himself with a knife, according to the report. Applewhite claimed he was assaulted, and the elder Applewhite said he saw the assault take place from his truck, the report stated.

Officers found the victim in a nearby field where he was chased by the Applewhites. He said he went to 105 Jaycee St. to see a woman. After he knocked on the door, a green truck pulled up to the address and the younger Applewhite jumped out with a black flashlight, according to Blakely’s report.

James Applewhite Sr.

The victim said he ran but could not jump over a fence, allowing Applewhite to catch up and begin beating him with the flashlight, the report stated.

James Applewhite Sr. got out of the truck and began kicking the victim while his son continued to hit the man with the flashlight. The victim acknowledged to using a knife in self-defense, Blakely reported.

The victim was taken to Missouri Delta Medical Center with injuries to his head, a broken tooth, a laceration to his upper lip, a broken left middle finger and injuries to both wrists, according to the report.

The younger Applewhite said he showed up at 105 Jaycee St. after receiving a text from the woman.

James Applewhite Jr.’s bond was set at $25,000, and James Applewhite Sr.’s bond was st at $15,000.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

105 Jaycee St., Sikeston, Mo.