One suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing after four people were shot in a pair of shootings Thursday night and Friday morning in Poplar Bluff.
According to Poplar Bluff Deputy Chief of Police Mike McClain, preliminary investigation suggests both shootings are related.
Dexter Dennis, 32, of Poplar Bluff is being held at the Butler County jail on suspicion of first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The first shooting occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. Thursday in the area of Ferguson Grove Park, near Lois and Selma streets. That incident sent two gunshot victims to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Both victims were in stable condition at last report.
The second shooting occurred at approximately 6:40 a.m. Friday. McLane stated the communications division received a phone call that two females were shot in the 1100 block of Fairmount. Both victims suffered minor injuries.
While on the scene Friday, officers arrested Dennis, who was later determined to also be the suspected shooter at the Thursday night incident.
Dennis previously was sentenced to four years in prison in 2007 for the Class C felony of theft or stealing, and was convicted in 2017 of possession of a controlled substance.
Officials are still investigating both incidents, but said Friday morning the most recent shootings do not appear to be connected to a shooting Tuesday in Poplar Bluff that left three people injured.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information comes in.