Man charged after crashing into front of tattoo shop

KENNETT, Mo. -- A Kennett man is currently being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond following an automobile accident on Saturday evening that caused severe damage to a local business and left another local resident with serious injuries.

According to Kennett Fire Department Capt. Paul Spain, an accident call came in at approximately 10 p.m., on Saturday.

Kennett Police Chief Barry Tate said the accident occurred as Michael Shannon, 23, of Kennett, was traveling on St. Francis Street when he passed out, lost control, and veered to the right, hitting Perry Tucker, 24, of Holcomb, Mo., and crashing into the Ink Emporium tattoo shop.

Michael Shannon

Police Chief Tate said Shannon was suspected to be driving under the influence, after possibly huffing some dust remover.

Tate said that in his statement, Shannon said he was driving westbound on St. Francis Street when he blacked out. He said he remembered waking up in the front seat of his car.

According to the police chief, Tucker suffered serious injuries, including a "very deep laceration" on his right knee, going from the front of the leg to the back. He was airlifted to Memphis, Tenn., where he is being treated.

According to prosecutors, Shannon is being charged with second-degree assault with a motor vehicle and driving while suspended. He is currently being held at the Dunklin County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Tate said more charges could be filed pending the final results of a drug screening performed regarding the possibility of Shannon driving under the influence.

According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff, Shannon could face between two and seven years in the penitentiary.

The owner of The Ink Emporium, David Samples, of Kennett, said he was outside when the incident occurred.

Pertinent address:

120 St. Francis St., Kennett, Mo.