Man suspected in aiding escape attempt is arrested

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A man accused of assaulting a Butler County Deputy during a failed escape at the courthouse Tuesday was apprehended.

Butler County Sheriff's deputies arrested Travis D. O'Barr, 24, of Poplar Bluff, at 11:05 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of Fifth and Harper streets on a Butler County warrant for aiding a felony prisoner's escape attempt and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Butler County Sheriff's Lt. Charles Phelps said O'Barr was taken into custody without a struggle.

"We thought we might have some problems with him, considering, but he was arrested without incident," Phelps said.

Authorities received information O'Barr was in the area and initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which he was suspected of riding. He is awaiting trial in the Butler County jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

O'Barr also is suspected of striking a vehicle as he fled from the courthouse. Some city charges related to the hit-and-run may be filed later, according to the sheriff's department.

O'Barr's arrest stems from an incident at noon Tuesday when his girlfriend, Shekeena M. Liau, 24, of Neelyville, Missouri, attempted to flee after her sentencing hearing on the third floor of the courthouse.

O'Barr is suspected of placing deputy Michael Jones in a chokehold in an attempt to aid her escape when she was apprehended on the first floor. Jones broke free, and O'Barr reportedly ran.

Butler County prosecutors also charged Liau with attempted escape from confinement. She is awaiting trial in the Butler County jail in lieu of $50,000 cash-only bond.

Jones, a reserve deputy corrections officer, did not suffer any apparent injuries and declined medical treatment.