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Press Release

Jefferson City Man Who Shot at Police Officers Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Jefferson City, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing a firearm after he shot at police officers who were executing a search warrant at his residence.

Ardaris Webb Cheatham of Jefferson City was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City. Cheatham had his initial court appearance today and remains in federal custody.

Today’s complaint alleges that Cheatham, who is a felon, was in possession of a loaded Beretta .40-caliber pistol on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017.

According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, the Jefferson City Police Department SWAT Team executed a search warrant for narcotics at Cheatham’s residence at approximately 12:35 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2017. When officers entered the residence, the affidavit says, Cheatham fired at the officers as he retreated into the residence. Cheatham attempted to escape by exiting the basement, but was apprehended by other officers who were stationed outside.

Officers found approximately 27 pounds of marijuana hidden in various locations within
Cheatham’s residence. A methamphetamine pipe with residue was also found in a bedroom.

A witness later told investigators that she purchased the firearm two years ago. She said Cheatham had fired the gun in the past, and sometimes handled the firearm in the residence.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Cheatham has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.

Larson cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt.

This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Updated September 12, 2017

Topic
Firearms Offenses