Crook Charged With Assault Of A Woman

Russell William Crook, 57, of Doniphan has been charged with a Class D felony of second degree domestic assault and a Class D felony of harassment against a woman.

Charges stem from an incident which reportedly took place Nov. 30, at which time Crook allegedly fired a gun, then attempted to choke the victim and threatened her life.

The report stated that she told officers she was able to get free and fled, and he Crook got into his Nissan flatbed pick-up and pursued her.

The woman stated that she might not have gotten away but the vehicle broke down.

The woman called for help and Ripley County Sheriff’s Deputy Joey Smith met her at that location, while contacting the Missouri State Highway Patrol for back-up assistance.

The report stated that upon encountering the victim she placed a 9 mm handgun on the hood of the patrol car, and told officers she had planned to use it to defend herself if necessary.

The woman said Crook was in possession of several firearms, and she feared for her life.

Officers went to the scene of the alleged assault and found Crook sitting in his pick-up in the driveway.

He was ordered to exit the vehicle and was handcuffed for officer safety while the deputy heard his side of the story and the woman was left in the care of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

A search of Crook’s vehicle revealed some .22 ammunition in the floorboard, but no weapons.

However, weapons described by the victim were found in the bedroom. A rifle hung on the wall, and there were a knife and a rifle on the bed, along with drug paraphernalia and alcohol, stated the report.

Crook claimed that he had argued with the woman earlier in the day and then went to sleep.

He claimed the woman had fired the gun and then left.

Crook was arraigned on Dec. 3, and he is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 18.