Man shot in back; police arrest suspect

One person was arrested Tuesday night in connection to a shooting that wounded a 23-year-old man outside a Cape Girardeau home.

The shooting occurred around 7:20 p.m. near the intersection of Benton Street and Jefferson Avenue, according to police Sgt. Kevin Orr.

The victim, a Cape Girardeau man, was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center for a gunshot wound to his lower back. While his condition was not immediately known, the man had been conscious and spoke with officers, Orr said.

A medical center nursing supervisor declined to comment.

A 22-year-old Cape Girardeau man was arrested for the shooting and brought into the police station around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to police Sgt. Barry Hovis.

Details of the arrest were not immediately available, but the man in custody was the suspected gunman, Hovis said.

No charges had been filed, and a motive for the shooting remained under investigation Tuesday night, he added.

Willa Pikes, of 1003 Jefferson Ave., said she heard a loud boom and, when she went outside, she saw the bleeding man lying on the sidewalk east of her home.

The man told Pikes he had been shot and asked her to call an ambulance, she said.

Police officers were canvassing the scene Tuesday night for evidence, including shell casings, Orr said.

Three to four officers were at one point Tuesday night using flashlights to search the ground near where the victim had been found. Officers could also be seen taking measurements of the crime scene.

Pieces of clothing that Orr said belonged to the victim lay on a small grassy embankment next to the sidewalk, which was stained with what appeared to be dried blood.

Tuesday's night was the first shooting-related injury since the Jan. 25 death of Jacob Bowers, 17, who was found slain behind Du-Shell's Furniture, 2103 William St.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127