Man shot by police in Knights of Columbus incident is charged

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston man shot by Charleston police officers May 5 at the Knights of Columbus Hall's parking lot is now facing charges filed Friday by the Mississippi County prosecuting attorney's office.

Decarlos "Carlos" Clemons, 25, is charged with eight felonies: two counts of first-degree assault of a law enforcement officer; unlawful use of a weapon for displaying a handgun in an angry or threatening manner; resisting arrest; three counts of armed criminal action; and one count of receiving stolen property as the gun was reportedly stolen.

In charges filed by Mississippi County assistant prosecutor Gregory Spencer, the state alleges Clemons discharged a firearm while in a large group of people who were fighting as the police arrived.

On seeing Charleston police officers Tony Baugher and Marc Tragesser arrive, Clemons resisted arrest by fleeing and then attempted to shoot the officers, according to the charges.

The officers responded by firing their weapons, injuring Clemons. He was treated at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston for two gunshots wounds to the torso and another injury to the neck and was released.

Clemons pleaded guilty in 1997 to a felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon in Mississippi County.

The prosecutor's office has requested that bond be set at $500,000.

As the incident includes the discharge of weapons by police officers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting the independent investigation.