Cape man sentenced in drug deal

A man who prosecutors said nearly ran over an undercover officer while fleeing from police following a drug deal was sentenced Monday to 120 days in prison.

Circuit Judge William Syler sentenced Theon Mackins, 21, of 1451 Rose St., to five years in prison on a suspended execution of sentence. Following 120 days in prison, during which Mackins was to undergo drug treatment, Syler may place Mackins on probation.

Mackins pleaded guilty in February to trafficking drugs, resisting arrest and misdemeanor driving with a suspended license.

On Nov. 9, Mackins was selling drugs in Capaha Park to a confidential informant when police attempted to arrest him for the crime, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said.

Mackins fled the scene by driving through the park, nearly striking an undercover officer, Swingle said. Police later arrested Mackins in his garage.

Prior to the sentencing, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jack Koester argued for a full five years in prison, citing the near accident with the officer.

"He placed the officer at great risk," Koester said.

Mackins' attorney, Scott Reynolds, rebuffed the comment.

"If that were the case, he should have been charged with assault of a law enforcement officer," Reynolds said, who had argued for probation.

Mackins could have received up to 15 years imprisonment.