Police arrest man on drug charges after 2-block pursuit

By C.M. Schmidlkofer

Southeast Missourian

Police arrested a man Monday night on charges of possession of drugs and drug paraphernailia after a two-block pursuit.

Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Barry Hovis said that shortly before 10 p.m., an officer observed Mark E. Brazel, 35, whose last known address was Charleston, Mo., failing to signal when turning from North Street onto Frederick Street.

When the officer initiated his lights and siren, Brazel reportedly sped away, turning into a private driveway two blocks away on Frederick Street near Themis Street, Hovis said.

Brazel reportedly jumped out of his car and attempted to flee on foot, at which point the officer used a Taser to subdue him.

Hovis said Brazel was stunned temporarily, pulled out the Taser prong and ran about another 40 yards, jumping a fence before he fell down.

When police searched Brazel's car they found methadone chloride, oxycodone, drug paraphernalia and an amount of marijuana in his pocket, Hovis said.

When the officer attempted to cuff the suspect, he reportedly tried to swallow the marijuana that was on the hood of the car, Hovis said.

Brazel is charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, resisting/interfering with arrest, driving while license revoked and failure to signal.

Brazel received a $15,000 cash only bond and has an initial appearance today before Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp.

carel@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127