The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received a call Sunday that a burglary was in progress and the intruder was still in the house.
Deputy James Gilbert was dispatched and while responding was advised the subject, identified as Sean Roberson, 23, of Springfield, had exited the residence by jumping through a double-pane window.
The subject returned to the residence looking for his car keys, but fled on foot prior to the officer’s arrival and further efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.
The vehicle was towed to Jim’s Body Shop in Ava for impoundment.
The investigation revealed that Roberson was a former boyfriend of a resident there. Roberson had broken into the house while no one was home and hid under the victim’s bed, only to be discovered when the victim spied him as she was preparing to go to sleep.
The following day, on Monday, Sheriff Chris Degase received information that Roberson was walking on Highway 14 in the Dogwood area. While en route to that location, the sheriff was informed that the individual had caught a ride into town and had gone to the Ava High School and attempted to contact the young victim.
The Ava Police Chief Reggie Johnson was notified by the school and he subsequently contacted the Sheriff’s Office.
Roberson ran from the school toward Kutz Car Clinic. Deputy Nathan Long than began a foot pursuit with Roberson that led him past the Ava Water Department on NE 5th Street where Roberson was also followed by Ava Mayor Eddie Maggard in a vehicle.
Deputy Long reported he shot Roberson three times with a bean bag gun but the suspect continued to run.
Deputy Long caught Roberson on NE 3rd Avenue and the subject continued to resist arrest.
City Officer Winston Collins arrived on scene and shot Roberson with a taser which had little effect on the suspect
Even after being subdued by the officers, the suspect continued to resist and was shot again with a “drive stun” by Deputy Long, and at that time the suspect became compliant.
A felony warrant was issued for burglary and aggravated stalking. Roberson also faces misdemeanor charges for property damage and resisting arrest.
Bond was set at $30,000 which was posted by Roberson.
Sheriff Degase stated the bean bag rounds Deputy Long deployed did play a role in Roberson choosing to stop running.
Deputy Long deployed one of the rounds into the calf muscle after the two rounds to the back had no affect on Roberson.
Degase said the less-than-lethal bean bag rounds are very beneficial in situations such as this.
He also stated that he appreciated the cooperative efforts of Chief Reggie Johnson, Officer Collins, Mayor Maggard and the staff at Ava Schools for assistance in bringing this matter to conclusion.
