Cape police seek three suspects for assault, robbery incident

Three men reportedly stole $9,500 in items from two Cape Girardeau victims during an assault and robbery late Wednesday in downtown Cape Girardeau, police said.

A 38-year-old man and 26-year-old woman suffered minor injuries during the incident that reportedly occurred at 9:50 p.m. at the corner of Main and Independence streets, said spokesman Sgt. Barry Hovis.

The three suspects approached the victims as they were leaving The Billiard Center at 26 N. Main St. One suspect struck the man on his forehead with a beer bottle, causing him to fall, said Hovis. Another suspect attempted to grab a purse from the woman. When she refused, he punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground. After he forcibly removed the purse, the suspects then ran toward the floodwall.

Cape Girardeau police received a call at 9:55 p.m. and responded four minutes later, said Hovis. Officers canvassed the area and located the purse and some of its contents, about $4,200 in jewelry, scattered beside a bench near the gate at Themis and Water streets.

The suspects reportedly kept a cell phone, cash and a wedding ring, collectively estimated at $5,300 in value.

No arrests were made and investigations are ongoing, said Hovis.

Anyone with information on the assault and robbery is encouraged to call the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6611 or CrimeStoppers at 332-0500.