Shooting suspect still sought by authorities

Local authorities continue to search for a Poplar Bluff man who is accused in the weekend shooting of another man in critical condition at a St. Louis hospital.

Poplar Bluff Police Lt. Josh Stewart said officers have been searching for Carlos James Wallace, who should be considered armed and dangerous, since Saturday afternoon.

“We’ve looked at several difference residences (in town), without success,” Stewart said. “ … Potentially, he’s in the company of his girlfriend.”

The 30-year-old is wanted in connection with a shooting that was reported to the police department at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday.

Wallace, Stewart said, allegedly arrived at a residence in the 500 block of East Harper Street, where a 35-year-old man was outside his residence.

Wallace allegedly “approached him and fired a round into the ground, and then fired a shot at the victim,” Stewart said.

At that point, Wallace got in his vehicle and left the area, Stewart said.

The victim, who has not been identified at this time, was shot once in the chest, Stewart said.

Authorities say the victim was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for treatment and later flown to a St. Louis hospital for further treatment.

“The victim still is in critical condition,” said Stewart, who indicated the last report on the victim was that none of his major organs had been damaged by the shot.

Authorities, he said, believe the victim was shot with a large-caliber handgun, possibly a .45.

“The firearm has not been recovered; however, a projectile was recovered from the ground,” Stewart said.

Stewart said the motive for the shooting is unknown at this time.

“We have not been able to talk to our victim,” Stewart said.

Since the shooting, Wallace’s photograph has been disseminated to the media, as well as to all law enforcement agencies in Missouri and adjoining states, Stewart said.

“Carlos Wallace is a multitime repeat offender,” Stewart said. “He has an extensive criminal history” and “known to be armed.

“Every time we’ve dealt with him over the last few years he’s been armed.”

Wallace has previous convictions in Butler County on the felonies of third-degree domestic assault, stealing/theft of any controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

He reportedly was released from the Missouri Department of Corrections on May 4.

Stewart said the police department has sent a probable-cause affidavit to the Butler County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, requesting Wallace be charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Wallace also is wanted on a Butler County warrant, which was issued in August, charging him with the Class E felony of resisting arrest and the Class D felonies of unlawful possession of a firearm and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. Bond is set at $30,000 cash or surety on that warrant.

Anyone with information on Wallace’s whereabouts is asked to contact the police department at 573-785-5776.