Man accused of driving vehicle at deputy

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston, Missouri, man was arrested after being accused of driving his vehicle at a Scott County sheriff's deputy.

O'Neal Wimberley Jr., 48, of rural Sikeston was charged with second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and two misdemeanor counts of assault.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office was assisting in the repossession of farm equipment Thursday at Wimberley's farm at 1778 County Road 472, according to Sheriff Rick Walter.

While a deputy was speaking with two people who were present to repossess the equipment, Wimberley was seen traveling at a high rate of speed on County Road 472 and turned in the driveway, then stopped briefly before accelerating and traveling toward the deputy and other victims.

"The deputy kept telling Wimberley to stop and was putting his hand up to show Wimberley to stop. Wimberley failed to stop or slow down and continued toward them," Walter said in a news release. "The deputy drew his issued firearm and told Wimberley to stop, but he did not."

After the deputy pointed his firearm at him and told him stop again, Wimberley stopped about three feet from the deputy and the other victims. Walter said Wimberley initially refused to get out of the vehicle and demanded the deputy and others move, but he eventually exited the vehicle.

Wimberley was arrested and as of press time remains in the Scott County Jail. A cash-only bond of $500 was set by the court.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.