Police subdue suspect with tasers

A Cape Girardeau man was Tasered twice Wednesday as he sought to escape from police following an early morning traffic stop.

Jamie A. Steel, 37, address unknown, jumped from his car screaming obscenities at Cape Girardeau police patrolman Mike Kidd when stopped about 5:15 a.m. near the El Torero restaurant at 2120 William St., Sgt. Barry Hovis said. Kidd had followed Steel for several blocks after seeing him parked in a parking lot posted against trespassers, he said.

Kidd ordered Steel back into his vehicle, but he refused, Hovis said. "As officers approached, Steel backed away and they tased him," Hovis said. "Apparently this was ineffective."

According to a sworn statement filed by Kidd, Steel shoved him after being Tasered, and Steel began to flee on foot.

Steel was found moments later hiding under a tractor trailer behind 300 Plaza Way. He refused to come out, Hovis said, complying only after being hit again with a Taser.

A search revealed a portion of a marijuana cigarette. Steel was charged with marijuana possession, driving while revoked, resisting arrest, assault on a law enforcement officer and trespassing. He is being held in the Cape Girardeau County Jail with a bond set at $3,500.