Man charged in Caruthersville officer's death to be arraigned today

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Arraignment is set for 10 a.m. today for a man accused in the death of Caruthersville police officer Evan Burns.

Deonta Jamarr Williamson, 29, of O'Fallon, Mo., and Hayti, Mo., was arrested early Tuesday following an incident where his car crashed into two Caruthersville police cars.

Williamson was wanted by O'Fallon authorities on charges of assault and auto theft. Reportedly Williamson had attempted to set his stepfather on fire and attempted to burn his home.

Williamson is now facing charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree assault, tampering with a motor vehicle and resisting arrest by fleeing. He is being held in the Pemiscot County Jail with no bond.

After Pemiscot County sheriff's deputies spotted a car matching the description given by O'Fallon police, they along with Hayti police officers attempted to stop Williamson's vehicle on the Hayti overpass. Williamson refused to stop proceeding on Highway 84 toward Caruthersville.

Burns and Caruthersville officer Richard Altice had attempted to deploy spike strips. However, Williamson's vehicle struck Altice's car, then headed into Burns' vehicle, striking it broadside and killing him.

Pertinent address:

Caruthersville, MO