PB man arrested in kidnapping, assault

A 32-year-old Poplar Bluff man was arrested Friday on suspicion of several forms of assault, armed criminal action, kidnapping, stealing a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Dennis Dewayne Morgan of the 2700 block of Holy Trails was arrested near the intersection of North Fifth Street and Lester Street by the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

According to Detective Joshua Stewart, Morgan’s ex-girlfriend was at a residence on Coolidge Street. When she left the residence, she reportedly found Morgan sitting in her car.

Stewart said Morgan then allegedly asked her for a ride and when she refused, brandished a firearm.

According to the report, the woman then began to drive Morgan to another location. While en route, he allegedly assaulted and punched the woman.

The victim reported she managed to get out of the car on South Westwood Boulevard, near Arby’s. Stewart said she fled and Morgan allegedly drove away in the car.

Morgan later was taken into custody in the area of Fifth and Lester streets.

He was booked in the Butler County jail on suspicion of armed criminal action, second-degree assault, second-degree domestic assault, kidnapping, stealing a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm and parole violation. As of 5:30 p.m. Monday, Morgan was still in jail.