A Boonville man is facing felony charges after an alleged incident on May 31.
According to a report from a police officer, authorities were called to Lucky’s Eagle Stop for and a reported incident. Derek Bruce allegedly took a red-handled hammer out of his vehicle and went over to another man and told him he needs to stop talking or else he was going to beat him up while he was waving the hammer. The man told authorities he was terrified that Bruce was going to seriously hurt him.
A woman got out of the passenger seat and told Bruce to leave the man alone. She said Bruce got up in the her face and began yelling at her, stating he does not care that she has her child in the car. Bruce began spitting in the woman’s face. The woman raised her hands to protect her face when Bruce grabbed her wrist and pushed her away, telling her he will beat her up. The woman said she was scared for her child and her life.
When interviewed, Bruce said he did have a hammer in his hand when he made contact with the man. Bruce also said he got into an argument with the woman and pushed her hands away from her face.
Bruce has been charged with two counts of a Class E Felony for Unlawful Use of a Weapon- Exhibiting; and a misdemeanor for assault in the fourth degree. Bruce posted surety bond on June 1.
Bruce’s initial appearance is scheduled to be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Cooper County Circuit Court.