Police arrest robbery suspect

After a speedy investigation, Cape Girardeau police arrested Antonio E. Johnson on Monday in connection with an attempted armed robbery.

Police responded to 2007 New Madrid St. at 5:41 a.m. Monday morning when the dispatcher received a call about a "masked gunman," according to the probable cause statement.

The victim had walked out of his home to throw something in the trash when a masked gunman stepped from the corner of the residence, shoved a gun in his face, and ordered him into the house, he told police.

He said his assailant wore a black ski mask.

Rather than risk allowing the man into his home, the victim stated he took off running down the street and fell in a ditch, while the gunman ran in the opposite direction.

Twenty minutes later, a K-9 unit arrived on the scene and began tracking the armed suspect. Simultaneously, another officer spotted a suspcious vehicle on Clark St. and initiated a traffic stop. Johnson was one of two passengers in the car.

By then, the K-9 unit had located a footprint left by the suspect, and, after Johnson willingly turned over his shoes, they were found to be a match.

Police arrested Johnson and transported him to the police department for questioning. He admitted during videotaped police interviews to calling the victim toward him while pointing the gun, a .22-caliber revolver.

When the victim took off running, Johnson said he panicked and threw his bag containing the gun, his clothes, the mask, and gloves over a gate at Fairmont cemetery. Police later recovered the evidence.

Johnson is charged with armed criminal action and attempted first degree robbery. Bond is set at $5,000.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245