Cape Girardeau man accused of robbing elderly neighbor

Cape Girardeau police say a man with a pillow case on his head and socks on his hands robbed his elderly neighbor after threatening him with a screwdriver.

Steven C. McMeans, 35 of Cape Girardeau, was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with robbery, armed criminal action and burglary, all felonies, in connection to the incident at an apartment complex at 224 S. Lorimier St.

The 83-year-old victim told police that around midnight Tuesday, he opened his apartment door to see what was making noises outside. At the door was a man with a pillow case over his head and socks on his hands. The man yelled at the victim to give him all his money. The victim handed over the cash in his pocket. He told police the man at the door was carrying a screwdriver but said he had a gun and would shoot him if he didn't give him more money.

The suspect, later identified as McMeans, the victim's neighbor, allegedly entered the victim's apartment, tore out the phone line and searched the house for more money.

Police said McMeans came back two hours later, threw the victim to the floor, choked him and demanded more cash.

"The victim recognized him because I guess at some point during the first search he had seen the guy's face," said Sgt. Jason Selzer, a spokesman for the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

McMeans allegedly stole a 2-liter bottle of soda the second time he broke into his neighbor's apartment.

The victim claimed McMeans had robbed him before, Selzer said.

Selzer added that the victim was unable to call police right away because the phone line was torn and because he is in bad health. The victim contacted police shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday.

McMeans is being held in the Cape Girardeau County Jail on a $25,000 surety bond.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

224. S. Lorimier St., Cape Girardeau, MO