Jackson man wielded knife, cane in Cape fight, police say

A 61-year-old man was accused of attacking several people and threatening them with a knife Monday morning outside a Cape Girardeau restaurant.

Dennis Cianfrone of Jackson was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of assault and resisting arrest, police spokesman Jason Selzer said.

According to witnesses, Cianfrone was leaving Broussard's, 120 N. Main St., around 1 a.m. when he became involved in a quarrel, Selzer said.

Cianfrone began striking people with his cane, and at one point brought out and waved around a pocket knife. The knife did not cut anyone, and no one was seriously injured from the attack.

When police officers arriving at the scene, they saw Cianfrone punch another person in the face. When they tried to arrest the defendant, he resisted their attempts, Selzer said.

During a search of Cianfrone, who appeared intoxicated and had trouble walking, police found a 3-inch and 4-inch knife on him.

Another man, Brett L. Turner, 29, of 828 E. Independence St. in Jackson, was charged with misdemeanor peace disturbance. Turner claims he was coming to the aid of Cianfrone, according to Selzer.

Turner was also arrested on several Jefferson County warrants for failure to appear in court.

Bond for Cianfrone was set at $10,000 and Turner received a $5,000 bond.