Police: Men broke into Cape Girardeau house, stole safe with marijuana

A safe recovered following an alleged armed burglary at a house in Cape Girardeau early Friday morning led police to something unexpected and a possibility of criminal charges for the resident.

Sgt. Jason Selzer of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said police received a report from a man living on North Missouri Avenue who said he was in the living room in the front of his home with two friends when two men forced their way in through the back door. According to the man's report to police, one of the two men was carrying a shotgun.

The burglary victim told police "some people broke in carrying a weapon yelling 'Where is it? Where's the stuff at?' and he was able to fend them off," Selzer said. The man reported the two men left the home carrying a safe. Police at the scene found the safe near an alley west of the home and inside found marijuana that Selzer said could result in drug possession charges for the resident.

No one was hurt in the incident. The man's name is being withheld because he has not yet been charged with a crime.

"We definitely believe this is a drug-related incident," Selzer said.

Police are continuing their investigation.

Selzer said the man's description of the two people who allegedly broke into the house was vague. The resident could not determine the men's' ages, Selzer said, and said he did not know either man.

Selzer said police believe the two men dropped the safe and fled on foot when they heard sirens.

Police were sending information on the incident to the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney's office Friday for a determination on whether to file charges against the burglary victim.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

North Missouri Avenue, Cape Girardeau, MO