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 threatened another man with assault if he didn’t stop talking. The man told authorities he was terrified that Bruce was going to seriously hurt him.

A woman got out of the passenger seat and attempted to put a stop to the altercation. Bruce began to verbally assault the woman and he allegedly spit in her face. The woman told authorities that she feared for the safety of herself and her child who was also in the vehicle.

Bruce reportedly admitted to the allegations made by both victims.

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 but was returned to custody after he failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding last month (July).

Bruce waived his formal arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty on August 4. A court proceeding in this case is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8 at Cooper County Circuit Court.