Man arrested in Texas County shooting

Authorities arrested a St. Louis man at about 6:35 p.m. Friday in a double shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon near Licking.

Michael L. Hunter, 35, was charged Friday afternoon with two counts of armed criminal action, two counts of domestic assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. 

The Texas County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the double-shooting incident and a fire that occurred west of Licking. Texas County Sheriff James Sigman said Hunter was arrested in St. Louis, but was known to frequent the Licking area. 

Sigman said a report came in at about 2 p.m. Wednesday of a shooting in the area of Highways 32 and N. Sigman said deputies responded and spoke with two male victims who each suffered a single gunshot wound with non-life-threatening injuries.

The victims were transported to Texas County Memorial Hospital and treated.

About an hour later, a call was received regarding a vehicle on fire that spread to a nearby residence. Sigman said authorities believe the shootings and vehicle fire are likely related incidents.

A vehicle of interest was described as a maroon or burgundy newer model Ford F-250 4-door crew cab driven by a white male in his mid-to-late 30s.

Anyone who has information about either of these incidents, or witnessed anything with regard to them, is encouraged to call the Texas County Sheriff’s Department at 417-967-4165

“We believe at this time it is an isolated incident between individuals who knew each other and there is no threat to the community at this time,” Sigman said.