Poplar Bluff home invasion suspect caught during weekend

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The suspect in a home invasion was captured early Saturday morning, walking about a block from the police department as officers concluded a street crimes task force sweep.

Jeremy Vance Fineout, 30, was spotted shortly after midnight at Second and Pine streets by patrolman Danny Hicks, who had just left the department.

Fineout, of the 700 block of Poplar Street, was carrying a camouflage backpack similar to one reported stolen in a home invasion that occurred May 29, according to police reports. Police said Fineout is also the man seen in ATM photographs from Poplar Bluff Federal Credit Union, allegedly using a debit card taken during the incident.

He is being held at the Butler County Jail on suspicion of first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. He also was arrested on warrants for a parole violation and failure to appear in Stoddard County on a traffic offense.

In a report, Hicks said after spotting Fineout, he exited his patrol car to speak with the man. When Fineout was asked to come toward the police car, he allegedly dropped the backpack and fled west on Pine Street.

Hicks apprehended him on the Butler County Courthouse lawn, according to the report.

A clear plastic baggy containing several white pills was allegedly found in Fine-out's possession. Officers said that during an interview, Fineout admitted to using money obtained at the credit union ATM to purchase heroin and methamphetamine.

Fineout is accused of robbing a homeowner about 6 p.m. Thursday in the 700 block of Kinzer Street.

Anthony Wolfley, 53, said a house guest assaulted him and fled the home with his wallet and debit card, according to police reports. Wolfley told officers he was knocked to the floor and repeatedly struck in the face before the alleged assailant held a knife to his throat, demanding the PIN number for his debit card.

Wolfley said he was left tied to a chair and gagged. According to the report, Wolfley went to a neighbor's for help after freeing himself by breaking the chair.

"[Wolfley] was visibly shaken up and bleeding from the arm and knee," officers who responded to the call reported.

Wolfley was found with duct tape dangling from his neck and visible signs of his wrists being bound together, police said.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.