Felony charges have been filed against a Columbia man and woman for assault or attempted assault of law-enforcement officers during an incident on December 26 in Cooper County.
According to a probable-cause statement, a Cooper County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to aid another law-enforcement officer at Hannah Cole Roadside Park. When the deputy arrived, he says he observed a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper actively fighting a male driver who was sitting in a vehicle. The deputy says he exited his vehicle and deployed his service dog. Ronnie Dale Ewens reportedly was ordered to step out of the vehicle on two occasions. Ewens reportedly attempted to start the truck to evade law enforcement. Because 62-year-old Ewens allegedly had assaulted a law-enforcement officer and actively attempted to evade, the deputy directed his canine to move in and bite Ewens. However, Ewens pushed and kicked the canine, and the dog was taken back to the patrol car. The deputy then attempted to remove Ewens, and Ewens allegedly began to swing his fists and resist. The deputy says he then struck Ewens in the left portion of his face with his fist for pain compliance. The deputy says Ewens continued to swing his hands and arms toward the deputy. Due to Ewens not complying, the deputy says he drew his department-issued Taser and deployed it twice. Then law-enforcement officers were able to remove Ewens from the vehicle.
Prior to that, the trooper says Ewens resisted arrest, and 61-year-old Maria Elena Scott, who was a passenger in the truck, attempted to drive up and pick him up and escape custody. The trooper was afraid the truck was going to hit him and let go of Ewens, who fled to the truck.
According to court documents, Ewens has been charged with a Class C Felony for Resisting Arrest for a Felony; a Class D Felony for Assault in the Third Degree- Special Victim; and a misdemeanor for assault on a police animal. His bond has been set at $75,000 cash or surety. Scott has been charged with a Class B Felony for Assault in the Second Degree- Special Victim; and Class E Felonies for Escape or Attempted Escape from Custody and Resisting or Interfering with an Arrest for a Felony. Bond has been set at $25,000 cash or surety.
Ewens and Scott were arraigned on December 31. Each is scheduled to appear for a counsel-status hearing at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, at Cooper County Circuit Court.