Police find meth lab after arresting man suspected of attacking girlfriend

Police say an argument between a Jackson man and Cape Girardeau woman turned violent Sunday when the man beat and choked his longtime girlfriend and attempted to force sexual intercourse on the woman.

Travis J. Moore, 37, was charged this week with domestic and sexual assault, forcible sodomy, attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest in connection with the incident that occurred at 103 N. Henderson Ave.

Cape Girardeau police responded to the area around 7 a.m. Sunday based on reports of domestic assault at the residence. Officers spoke with the victim at the corner of Henderson Avenue and Themis Street. She was wearing a bathrobe and suffering from multiple injuries, according to court documents.

Patrolman Bryan Blanner wrote in his probable-cause statement that the victim had a black left eye, scratches on her face, bruises on her legs and large cuts on her chin and neck. The victim told police that Moore had came over around 3 a.m. and she tried to break off their relationship.

She reported being dragged outside the home, where Moore allegedly punched and kicked her before bringing her back inside. Before the beating, Moore allegedly attempted to sodomize the victim with the handle of a broomstick.

She was taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital following Moore's arrest.

Officers found Moore north of the Henderson Avenue residence and although he was ordered to the ground, Moore allegedly ran from officers for a few blocks. After Moore was captured and handcuffed, controlled substances, including Clonazepan, were found in his pocket. A digital scale was also found in the suspect's pocket.

While Moore was being taken to the police station, officers searched the area for any contraband Moore may have dropped while running from police. Behind a home at 109 N. Henderson Ave., police found a plastic tote which contained an active "shake and bake" methamphetamine lab.

Officers also found an inactive lab at 103 N. Henderson Ave.

Moore, being held in the Cape Girardeau County jail on a $100,000 bond, will appear before a judge Thursday for his initial arraignment. ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent Address:

103 N. Henderson Ave., Cape Girardeau MO