Suspect in recent Cape shooting turns himself in to police

Tahjay D. Matthews, 21, of Cape Girardeau was arrested after turning himself in just before midnight Monday on suspicion of shooting Brujae Lane in the back Dec. 11.

Matthews is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action, both felonies.

According to a probable-cause statement from Cape Girardeau police officer Jeffrey Bonham, Lane and Matthews were playing video games at 915 S. Pacific St. They began placing bets on each game, then there was an altercation that spilled out onto the home's front porch, Bonham wrote.

Lane said Matthews pulled a handgun. Lane began to run away, but Matthews fired several shots, with one bullet striking Lane in the back and exiting through his abdomen, according to the statement.

As he ran, Lane heard a woman scream, "Stop, Tahjay!" Even after he was shot, Lane continued running to the intersection of Pacific and Elm streets, Bonham wrote.

Bonham stated Lane identified Matthews in a photo lineup.

Police were actively conducting searches on a warrant for Matthews on Monday in and around Spanish Street, Cape Girardeau Police public information officer Adam Glueck said.

"Any cooperation we get is helpful," Glueck said.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address: 915 S. Pacific St., Cape Girardeau, Mo