New suspect arrested in Poplar Bluff railroad spike case

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A new suspect was arrested Monday in an incident from last week where a Poplar Bluff woman fought off an alleged intruder with a railroad spike.

The Daily American Republic reported Steve Dover, 50, of the 600 block of Bartlett was arrested at 2:15 p.m., a short distance from his residence, after police say he attempted to flee. He faces charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and resisting arrest, according to Poplar Bluff Police Department Detective Bryce Colvin.

The arrest stems from a 911 call placed early Friday morning from the 500 block of Bartlett Street. Charges against Glen Waltman, 45, of the 900 block of Velma have been dropped. Waltman was originally charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary.

Stephanie Nicole Ballard, 24, and roommate Stephanie L. Molina, 39, reported that shortly after they arrived home Friday a man kicked open the door of their apartment, demanding "Jerry" pay the money he owed.

The women said they did not know a Jerry. Ballard told officers the intruder grabbed Molina.

Molina hit the man with a railroad spike, according to reports, and he left the residence. Officers who responded followed a trail of blood from Molina's apartment to another residence nearby, which belongs to Dover.

After knocking several times and receiving no response, officers kicked in the door.

Dover was no longer in the home, Colvin said. Claude Everett Hunt, 46, of the 600 block of Bartlett and Waltman were found in the living room. Hunt refused to comply with officers' directions, according to reports. He was arrested on charges of obstructing police and resisting arrest.

Continued investigation has revealed Waltman did not enter Molina and Ballard's apartment, Colvin said.

It was a tip Monday from Hunt which helped officers locate Dover.

Dover has a gash on his head which he told police came from the railroad spike, although he denies breaking into the home. Molina was not injured, Colvin said.

Dover has been arrested previously and spent time in prison for charges related to burglary, he said.