A Salem man faces two felony charges and is held in jail on $500,000 bond after allegedly beating up a man and swiping a dirt bike.
Michael D. Warren, 38, of 1942 Highway YY at Salem, is charged with second-degree assault and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle (both class D felonies) after the incident Friday west of Licking.
A report written by a Texas County Sheriff’s Department deputy indicates a woman stated that her son had been drinking and became violent, and that help from law enforcement was needed at a Slabtown Road residence. While en route, the officer was advised that the woman said her son was on parole for murder. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Licking Police Department also were called.
The assault victim told officers that his son’s Honda 150CC motorcycle had been stolen by Warren, whose own mother was attempted to find him in her maroon Dodge van.
The victim also said he had been choked by Warren to the point of losing consciousness.
After learning Warren and his mother had sped off on Highway AF toward Licking, the deputy and MSHP troopers began a search in that direction. Later, while on another call in the Cabool area, the deputy was advised by a trooper and a Licking police officer that Warren had been apprehended at the Shell station in Licking.
The deputy returned to Licking and took custody of Warren. On the way to the Texas County Jail, Warren reportedly told the deputy he had been asleep on the floor after drinking and the victim had awakened him, which he said was the wrong thing to do.
The officer reported that Warren said he woke up and started beating the victim. Warren also reportedly said the victim better not file any charges, otherwise when he got out of jail things would be really bad for the victim.
Warren reportedly told the deputy he is “old school” and takes care of things himself.
Arraignment for Warren is set for June 12 in a courtroom at the Texas County Justice Center.