Region briefs 8/27/04

TRCC student assaulted on Poplar Bluff campus

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- An 18-year-old Three Rivers Community College student was assaulted at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in the school's administration building, according to reports from vice president for student affairs Randall Lee and Poplar Bluff police officer David Sutton. The woman was reportedly heading to the first class of the day when a white male began following her, trying to start a conversation. The assault followed in an empty third floor classroom. She said she was hit twice in the head with her textbook and choked. The woman said she yelled loudly and hit the suspect in the groin. He then ran out of the building. A witness reportedly saw a man running from the southeast exit of the building.

20 years for Campbell couple in kidnapping

KENNETT, Mo. -- A Campbell couple pleaded guilty and was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison Wednesday for the December kidnapping and robbery of an elderly neighbor. Gregory W. Allen, 25, and Toni Ann Allen, 36, each pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and first-degree robbery before Presiding Circuit Judge Stephen Sharp. An additional felony of first-degree burglary was dismissed. The Allens had been charged in connection with the abduction of a 67-year-old Campbell woman on Dec. 21, taking her to southwest Missouri where she was beaten and her throat slit before she was left for dead along a side road.

Blodgett man charged with forcible sodomy

BENTON, Mo. -- A Blodgett man is in jail on charges of forcible sodomy. According to the Scott County Sheriff's Department, 17-year-old Terry Taylor of Blodgett was arrested Aug. 19 on charges of forcible sodomy against a young child. Officials aren't releasing the name or age of the minor. A court date is set for Oct. 6 in Benton.-- From staff, wire reports

Armed robbery at Sikeston Sonic under investigation

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Department of Public Safety is seeking information on the closing-time armed robbery of Sonic Wednesday. According to DPS reports, the robbery occurred at approximately 11:21 p.m. at the Sonic located at 215 N. Main St. After locking the store, the victim reportedly was approached by an unknown black male in a red hooded sweatshirt. The robber reportedly never pointed the gun held in his right hand but demanded the money. He then fled to the east with the restaurant's bank deposit bag after the victim complied. Those with any leads on or information about this crime are asked to contact DPS at (573) 471-6200 or (573) 471-1500. All communications will remain confidential.

-- From staff, wire reports