Sheriff wants assault charges against Poplar Bluff bartender

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- An altercation at Cleopatra's Night Club resulted in serious injuries to a patron at 2:35 a.m. Tuesday. Now the sheriff is asking that charges be filed against the manager.

Responding to a 911 call of a fight in progress in the 800 block of Route T, a Butler County deputy sheriff found Benjamin Knuckles leaning against a car.

"He was very bloody," Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs said.

Knuckles, who was celebrating his 21st birthday Monday night, was transported by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

"He was placed on a ventilator and was in critical condition initially," Dobbs said. "He has improved, but he is not able to recall anything about the incident.

"Jonathan Dawe, the manager and reporting party, informed us the altercation began after Knuckles kicked the door after the business had closed."

Dawe told the sheriff he shoved Knuckles in trying to make him leave the business.

"Then Knuckles shoved Dawe against an exterior wall," Dobbs said. "Dawe said he forced Knuckles to the ground and hit him in the face five or six times with his fist."

"It is not unusual for someone to be removed from a business, but our concern is the use of beyond necessary force," Dobbs said. "We are asking the prosecutor's office to file the Class C felony charge of second-degree assault against the manager."

Knuckles since has been released from the hospital.

Pertinent address:

800 Highway T, Poplar Bluff, MO