VERHINES IS WINNER OF AWARD

A story in Thursday's Southeast Missourian mentioning the Cape Girardeau Optimists listed awards given to law enforcement officers at a Wednesday luncheon meeting. But the story failed to mention an award given to a private citizen, Brad Verhines.

Verhines, of 2544 Ranchito in Cape Girardeau, was presented with the Optimist Respect for Law Citation. The citation is intended for private citizens who have exceeded normal expectations in preventing a crime.

On Jan. 28, Verhines assisted Cape Girardeau Patrolman Lawrence Fleming in arresting a fleeing felon. Police had received a complaint that an individual threatened to shoot two individuals earlier that day.

Fleming located the suspect in a car in the first block of South Kingshighway, but the suspect fled from the vehicle. While Fleming pursued the suspect on foot, Verhines pulled his vehicle into the path of the suspect, causing him to fall.

The suspect, wanted as a parole violator, was returned to the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City.

Also receiving an award was the SEMO Drug Task Force.