Cell phone thief sentenced for robbery, assault

A man who pleaded guilty to stealing cash and cell phones from three Southeast Missouri State University students was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison. Dantrail S. Tipler, 19, of Cape Girardeau, admitted on Jan. 20 that he had robbed the three students when they tried to purchase marijuana from him Aug. 30. Tipler was arrested Aug. 31 during a traffic stop by officer Joseph Hann of the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

While speaking with Tipler and a companion, Tipler punched Hann in the face and attempted to place him in a headlock before fleeing, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said in a news release. After a brief chase, Tipler was arrested and officers found crack and one of the stolen cell phones.

Tipler was sentenced to 10 years for the robbery, five years for assaulting a law enforcement officer, five years for possession of crack and four years for resisting arrest. The sentences will run concurrently.