Kennett man accused of assaulting police

KENNETT, Mo. -- Two Kennett police officers were physically assaulted over the weekend while attempting to arrest a Kennett man.

According to information provided by Kennett Police Department Capt. Steve Cook, at approximately 10 p.m., Sunday, Patrolman Phillip Caldwell was flagged down by a motorist who said a black male had just thrown a beer can at his vehicle while he was driving down College Street in Kennett.

Caldwell located the suspect, Antonio Wallace, 32, and asked him to stop, which the man refused to do.

According to Caldwell's account, Wallace fled the scene, running behind nearby houses.

A short foot chase then ensued involving the suspect and Caldwell.

A police report on the incident states that Caldwell was able to catch up to Wallace during the chase. However, when the officer attempted to place Wallace under arrest, Wallace struck Caldwell and kicked another officer, Mark Dennis, who had arrived on scene to assist in the arrest.

"After a short struggle, he (Wallace) was subdued and transported to the Dunklin County Jail," the report says.

Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff was sent a report on the incident and a warrant was issued charging Wallace with resisting arrest and two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer.

Cook said the bond for Wallace has been set at $20,000.