WARDELL, Mo. — Wardell police chief Casey Redden was taken to jail Tuesday after violating a protection order placed against him, and bond conditions now prevent him from entering the city.
The charges and restrictions leave his status as police chief in jeopardy. An official at Wardell City Hall could not comment on the status of Redden’s employment after the arrest and restrictions, citing city policy against commenting on personnel issues.
Redden is charged with violation of a protection order and second-degree stalking — both Class A misdemeanors — after he reportedly followed the person specified in the protection order. He’s also accused of attempting to call that person using a blocked phone number.
Redden was charged and held at the Pemiscot County Jail on a $50,000 surety bond. He was released Thursday morning, with his next court date set for March 30.
According to online court records, bond conditions state he cannot have contact with the victim, have or be around any weapons or be in Wardell. The bond also imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
According to a probable-cause statement, the victim presented video and photo evidence to investigators that reportedly show Redden following the victim from Route A to Route B. The victim added Redden tried to flag the victim down, but when the victim continued driving, Redden began to follow.
Redden admitted to being behind the victim from routes A and B to Highway 412. He told investigators he “kept a safe distance” from the victim so the victim “wouldn’t claim” he was following, according to the report. Redden told investigators he was driving to meet a friend from Blytheville, Arkansas, but changed his mind to turn back toward Wardell.
Investigators said Redden admitted to attempting to call the victim after the protection order was issued. He told investigators the victim had been trying to contact him but provided no evidence to support the claim.
Redden will appear in court at 10 a.m. March 30 at the Pemiscot County Justice Center.
Pertinent address:
Wardell, Missouri
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